SHAH ALAM — Preliminary findings on the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights will be revealed tomorrow and it will address both the technical aspects as well as potential criminal or negligence elements, said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan will present the findings tomorrow, when it would be some 72 hours after the incident on April 1.
“There are various theories regarding the cause of the gas leak, but we must allow investigators to do their work. The initial report will be available tomorrow.
“So far, we have received 108 police reports and we are analysing them alongside videos and testimonies to validate the information,” Amirudin told a press conference at the Selangor state assembly building today.
He also stressed the importance of gathering accurate data, stating that all relevant parties, including developers and those responsible for project approvals, will be called in for the probe.
“Our priority is to determine the root cause of the explosion and assess any contributing factors. There have been no arrests yet.
“If anyone is called in, it is solely to assist with the investigation. Any detentions will be managed by Hussein,” Amirudin added.
The technical investigation is being conducted by several agencies, including the Public Works Department (JKR), the Occupational Safety and Health Department, Petronas and other technical bodies, while the police are looking into any criminal or negligent actions.
Given the technical and criminal or negligence aspects of the investigation, he said daily press conferences will be held to update the public.
Separate briefings on each aspect will be held every other day, with Hussein handling the press conference on the police investigations.
Authorities are investigating speculation that the gas pipe leak was due to excavation work for a project.
Yesterday, Subang Jaya Mayor Datuk Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim said the project was approved by MBSJ in 2022 and received permission from Petronas to use its right of way (ROW) for sewerage facilities.
Amirul added that the contractor involved was panel-approved by Indah Water Konsortium (IWK). However, hours after his remarks, IWK distanced itself from the project and confirmed the contractor involved was not part of IWK’s panel of approved contractors.
Town planning law expert Derek Fernandez, meanwhile, has questioned if the local council can legally approve a sewerage facility in a gas ROW.
Scoop also reported several victims saying they had warned the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) about the project and excavation work’s proximity with the gas pipeline.
According to Amirudin, 1,254 individuals from 308 families have been affected by the disaster.
Currently, 157 families, comprising 630 victims, remain housed in two temporary shelters, while the remainder are staying with family or friends, or have made their own arrangements.
The incident caused extensive damage, with 87 homes completely destroyed and deemed irreparable. Another 148 homes are habitable pending repairs. – April 3, 2025