Gas Pipeline Inferno Local Council State Elected Rep And Local Mp Should Have Addressed Resident Complaints

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Letter to Editor
QUESTIONS arise as to why construction was allowed near the gas pipeline in Bukit Raja, currently known as the gas pipeline that caused the explosion in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya.
The developer of these construction works, the local council, the state elected representative and local MP, and even Petronas should clarify the string of events that led to this unfortunate incident.
Explanations must be provided to the affected residents as well as the general public. Furthermore, the government should assist victims in seeking appropriate compensation from responsible parties.
According to the police report, this disaster has been classified as Level 1, with 100 reported injuries, the total destruction of 87 buildings, and 225 vehicles severely burnt.
Additionally, news reports and circulating information indicate that residents raised concerns and complaints with the local council three months ago about the construction of new shop houses near the gas pipeline but received no response.
The local elected state representative and the local MP must now be answerable as to why residents’ complaints and objections made were not looked into earlier. It is shocking that three months later, the pipeline leaked and exploded.
Who is responsible for this? The location of the gas pipeline is highly sensitive. Did the local council conduct a thorough safety assessment when approving the development? Did they consult Petronas and relevant experts?
It is evident that residents’ complaints were not taken seriously. Had the authorities and the elected representatives and the councillors looked into the matter and taken preventive measures at the time, this explosion and fire may have been avoided.
We cannot wait for tragedies to occur before taking action, especially when public safety is at stake. The government and local councils must take residents’ concerns seriously.
The government must swiftly establish an investigation committee to identify the primary responsible party, provide necessary assistance to affected residents, and help them seek compensation and rebuild their homes so they can return to normal life as soon as possible.
This disaster was the result of human inattention, and someone must be held accountable.
Politically appointed local councillors, elected state assemblyman and the local MP must now be accountable and not push the blame and make the various governments departments or other parties to be solely responsible for this sad tragedy.

Tan Gim Tuan is the MCA Selangor state liaison committee deputy chairman and Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research Deputy Chairman.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT. 
- Focus Malaysia.

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