Pipeline Fire Extinguished Petronas To Foot Govt Hospital Bill

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The gas pipeline that erupted in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Selangor, was extinguished at 3.45pm, said Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.
Around 305 victims have been rescued, he said in a statement on Facebook.
He added that the victims are currently placed in a temporary shelter and those requiring treatment were sent to the Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Sunway Medical Centre, Serdang Hospital, and Putrajaya Hospital.
“As of 5pm, no deaths have been reported in this incident.
“The priority right now is the safety of the residents,” Amirudin (above, left) said.
He said the two residential areas involved were categorised as restricted areas until they are safe for residents to return.
According to Fire and Rescue Department director-general Noor Hisham Mohammad, at about 6pm, a total of 237 houses were found to have been affected, of which 78 houses and 10 shops have been burnt.
Of the 305 victims, 125 suffered injuries.
A gas pipeline in Putra Heights caught fire this morning, resulting in a massive blaze visible from several kilometres away.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) assistant director (operations) Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar said they received a call on the incident at 8.23am.
According to the initial FRD report, the fire was caused by a gas pipeline leak, with an estimated 500m section of the pipeline engulfed in flames.
Around 4pm, Nor Hisham was quoted by Bernama as saying that it is too early to determine the cause of the fire, amid speculation it was caused by roadworks in the vicinity.
Immediate relief for victims, house repairs
While visiting the site, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said RM2,500 in immediate relief will be provided to the victims.
“But as an immediate measure for these one or two days, Petronas and the government will look at the need to increase the provision for those whose houses were completely damaged, giving them RM5,000 immediately for their current expenses,” he said.
He said Petronas was in talks with the government over temporary measures for the victims.
Repairs for houses damaged by the fire might take a year or more, Anwar said.
“The responsibility to rehabilitate this housing area - whether to repair or replace - the federal government and Petronas take on fully, with the cooperation of the state government.
“And I think I’m not worried about that, only that it (discussions) will take a bit of time,” he added.
Petronas to foot the bill
Meanwhile, according to an aide to Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad, Petronas Berhad will pay for the treatment of all victims at government hospitals.
Earlier, the oil and gas company confirmed that the fire occurred at its main pipeline near Putra Heights.
A Petronas petrol stationIn another statement, it said the surrounding three Petronas petrol stations - PS Putra Heights, PS KM2 LDP, and PS Putra Bestari - were not affected, but have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
“Customers may use the following alternatives for their refuelling needs - PS USJ 20, USJ 6, and USJ 9,” it said.
While visiting the site, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said RM2,500 in immediate relief will be provided to the victims whose houses were partially destroyed.
“But as an immediate measure for these one or two days, Petronas and the government will look at the need to increase the provision for those whose houses were completely damaged, giving them RM5,000 immediately for their current expenses,” he said. - Mkini

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