Proper protocol could have prevented Putra Heights explosion - Engineer

SHAH ALAM – Following the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights today, a local engineer has raised concerns over possible non-compliance with standard excavation procedures, which may have led to the incident.

The explosion, which occurred at an elevated site, has sparked urgent investigations and raised serious questions about construction safety protocols in the area.

Earlier today, it was reported that the Fire and Rescue Department was evacuating residents from the vicinity of the gas pipeline fire at Jalan Putra Harmoni, Putra Heights, Subang Jaya. - Bernama photo

Speaking to Sinar Daily, engineer Mugillan Lachmana suggested that the incident may have been triggered by excavation work carried out by an unidentified contractor.

“Excavation work typically requires a comprehensive utility mapping report to locate all underground services, including gas pipelines, before any digging begins.

“In this case, it seems an undetected pipeline was present in the excavation zone, which may have led to the explosion," he said.

Mugillan described that standard procedure calls for contractors to inform Gas Malaysia of any planned excavation.

Gas Malaysia would then isolate the affected pipeline, shut the valves and purge the section of gas before allowing construction to proceed.

“Once the work is completed, the service is restored. Whether these steps were followed in this case remains uncertain, but the incident suggests otherwise,” he added.

The explosion has also reignited debate over the placement of housing developments near underground gas pipelines.

Mugillan stated that underground utility services in residential areas were unavoidable.

“If we start prohibiting all underground utilities near homes, we’d essentially be cutting off access to basic amenities.

"Imagine needing a 10 to 20-kilometre buffer zone around every petrol station — that’s just not practical," he said.

He said gas pipelines are usually marked above ground to prevent accidental damage and that developers generally avoid building directly over them.

“You won't see houses or roads constructed directly above these pipelines. But as cities grow, the demand for essential services increases. Developers rely on engineering studies to strike a balance between safety and development," he said.

Mugillan also pointed to the timing of the work as a possible factor in the explosion.

“Putra Heights is a high-traffic area. Given that we’re in the Raya holiday period, the contractors might have chosen this time to carry out the work when traffic was lighter,” he said.

Still, he stressed that no deadline or convenience should override safety.

“If the proper protocols had been followed — utility mapping done, Gas Malaysia notified, pipelines properly isolated — this could have been avoided,” he said.

Earlier today, it was reported that the Fire and Rescue Department was evacuating residents from the vicinity of the gas pipeline fire at Jalan Putra Harmoni, Putra Heights, Subang Jaya.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar said the blaze was caused by a leak, engulfing approximately 500 metres of gas pipeline near a public housing area.