KUALA LUMPUR: Localised development activities, such as excavation, could not have resulted in the pipeline fire at Putra Heights, the Dewan Rakyat was told.  

Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the pipelines were located at least 6m underground.

“It was 6m deep. There is no chance for excavation works to reach those levels.

“The explosion was caused by underground soil movement and a later collapse, which caused friction and then the explosion.

“Moving forward, we will be taking more precautions. Replacement works are also underway with the involved contractor also complying with international standards,” he said on Monday (July 28).

He noted that a joint on the affected pipe experienced mechanical fatigue, resulting in cyclic loading, relating to repeated strain or loads on a component.

“The pipe experienced substantial underground movement, which was also caused by prolonged and concentrated water accumulation in one spot.

“This caused the ground supporting the pipe to lose support,” he said.

He also assured that all Petronas-owned pipelines comply with internationally recognised standards, adding that the ministry’s Department of Occupational Safety and Health findings revealed that all gas pipelines nationwide are still in safe condition.

Abdul Rahman was responding to Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat), who asked about the cause of the pipeline fire in Putra Heights.

He also asked about the government’s assurance towards ensuring safety for those living along the pipelines.

To this, Abdul Rahman said measures taken include technical assessments on gas pipelines, increasing patrols along pipelines close to high-density communities, updating geotechnical risk assessments, and improving emergency preparedness, among others.  

The explosion on April 1 damaged hundreds of homes and displaced hundreds of residents.