First and foremost, I would like to express my appreciation to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DoSH) for its recent investigation into the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights. However, as the elected representative of the affected area, I must respectfully state that I am unable to accept the conclusion that no party has been found responsible for the incident.
I acknowledge the commitment of the State Government and various agencies that have worked tirelessly from the day of the explosion until now, with the primary aim of ensuring that victims received proper care during their most difficult moments. However, we cannot deny that the explosion had a profound impact on many families in Putra Heights. Homes were damaged, families were displaced, lives were disrupted, and the sense of security once enjoyed by residents was deeply shaken.
Given the severity of the incident, it is troubling that the investigation report appears to close the matter without addressing several pressing questions that are crucial to restoring the community’s peace of mind:
• What exactly caused the soil movement and water stagnation?
• When did these conditions begin?
• Who is responsible for failing to monitor the soil movement?
• Why were residents’ complaints and photographic evidence—submitted to MBSJ in December 2023, clearly showing the presence of heavy machinery and construction materials near the site—not given greater weight in the investigation?
The findings seem to place undue emphasis on whether any wrongdoing occurred, while failing to address whether the right actions were taken—or more importantly, whether necessary actions were neglected. In any safety-sensitive situation, the failure to act can be just as dangerous as acting improperly.
Additionally, I am deeply concerned that the gas pipeline appears to have been reactivated without any formal safety briefing or engagement session with the residents. To this day, the community has not been provided with a clear timeline, safety plan, or details on risk mitigation measures. Many residents continue to live in fear, uncertain about the safety of their homes and whether their concerns are truly being heard.
In the spirit of transparency, accountability, and care for the people, I urge PETRONAS to take the following actions to restore public confidence:
1. Provide fair and timely compensation to all affected families for the emotional distress and material losses they have suffered.
2. Conduct a comprehensive and transparent safety briefing for all affected residents before any further reactivation or construction work is carried out.
3. Commit to a long-term safety and community engagement plan, ensuring that residents are consistently informed, consulted, and reassured.
This is not about assigning blame—it is about upholding public safety, demonstrating transparency, and rebuilding trust. The people of Putra Heights are not demanding special treatment. They are simply asking for what is fair: answers, accountability, and the reassurance that every step is being taken to prevent a tragedy like this from ever happening again.
True progress is not measured solely by development, but by our commitment to justice, empathy, and responsibility.
I trust that PETRONAS and all relevant authorities will treat this matter with the seriousness and compassion it deserves. I would also like to thank the Menteri Besar of Selangor for his continued commitment to ensuring that the people of Selangor— especially the victims of this tragic event—receive the justice that is rightfully due to them.
PREAKAS SAMPUNATHAN
ADUN KOTA KEMUNING
