Gas company Petronas aims to procure authorization to prevent hazardous ventures, following the explosion in the Putra Heights pipeline.
Petronas Gas Bhd (PGB), the operator of the Peninsular Gas Utilisation (PGU) network, is taking decisive action to enhance safety around its pipeline network, following the pipeline rupture and fire in Putra Heights in April this year.
In a recent statement, PGB's managing director and CEO, Abdul Aziz Othman, emphasised the importance of learning from the incident and preventing risks before they occur. He stated, "Incidents such as the Putra Heights pipeline fire are rare, but they highlight the importance of planning and regulation."
To address this issue, PGB is collaborating with the Ministry of Economy to introduce new regulations under the Gas Supply Act 1993, the Electricity Supply Act 1990, and other relevant laws. These regulations aim to strengthen safety and oversight around PGB's pipeline network.
The new regulations will give PGB more authority over developments surrounding its pipeline corridors. Having a seat in the planning committee will allow PGB to review proposed projects, assess impacts, and request conditions or stop-work orders if safety is compromised. Some state governments, including Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, have agreed in principle to consider allowing PGB to have a seat in the planning committee.
According to Abdul Aziz Othman, the Ministry of Economy called PGB to give input on enhancing the Acts and to share what they have learned from Putra Heights. The Housing and Local Government Ministry of Malaysia has also cooperated with Petronas Gas Bhd to amend and expand laws to improve the safety and oversight mechanisms for PGB's pipeline networks. This collaboration also involves agencies like the Energy Commission and the National Disaster Management Agency to refine safety standards and emergency procedures.
The Putra Heights pipeline rupture was caused by a combination of soil subsidence and structural stress on the pipeline. Laboratory analysis showed signs of fatigue and stress on the structure of the pipeline in Putra Heights. Closer collaboration between operators, regulators, and states is key to ensuring safety around PGB's pipeline network.
Abdul Aziz Othman also mentioned that the renewed focus on strengthening regulations is to ensure that critical infrastructure and communities can grow side by side, safely. He emphasised, "It is important that we learn from incidents like Putra Heights and take action to prevent such incidents from happening in the future."
PGB operates the PGU network, a 2,623km high-pressure transmission system that transports gas from entry points in Kertih, Pengerang, Sungai Udang, and Thailand. The company is engaging with state governments to ensure better coordination and oversight to maintain the safety and reliability of its pipeline network.
The new regulations and closer collaboration between all parties involved are a significant step towards ensuring the safety of PGB's pipeline network and the communities living nearby.
