Putra Heights gas pipeline fire: MCA calls for RCI, says residents 'deserve the truth'

Focus Malaysia

2 days ago

MCA has called for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to recommend, with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia's consent, to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to probe the Putra Heights gas pipeline blaze on April 1.
This is after the police had, on July 1, classified the incident as No Further Action (NFA) following criminal investigations that found no element of negligence or sabotage.
'Over three months have passed since the tragic gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, which destroyed over 80 homes and displaced hundreds of residents,' stated its vice president Datuk Ir. Lawrence Low.
'Yet recently, police concluded the case with an NFA classification—an announcement that left victims shocked and the public justifiably disheartened.
'As representatives of the people, we are deeply concerned that such a swift conclusion risks undermining public confidence in our justice system.'
According to Low, Malaysians are not asking for closure by formality but are asking for truth, responsibility and justice, adding that if the current investigation cannot provide these answers, a more credible and authoritative body must step in.
'Community associations in the affected areas have voiced serious doubts about the transparency of the investigation. Their calls for an independent review must be taken seriously,' he continued.
'This was not an isolated event—it raises grave questions about national safety. With over 2,680 kilometres of gas pipelines beneath our towns and cities, how many more hazards remain undetected?
'The victims deserve to know why this happened, who is accountable, and what steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence.'
Low said while the party welcomes Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari's move to establish a state-level committee, the scale of this disaster goes beyond state borders with implications touching national energy security and regulatory oversight.
'Therefore, we respectfully urge the Prime Minister to recommend, with His Majesty's consent, to establish of an RCI,' he said.
'The RCI must be independent, transparent, and led by experts in law, engineering, and disaster management. Its findings should be made fully accessible to the public and reported directly to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.'
To move forward, MCA further proposed five urgent measures:
Establish the RCI to investigate the explosion and recommend systemic reforms; Release all technical and forensic reports and form a technical task force team consisting of geological and geotechnical specialists to assess the affected and surrounding infrastructure; Provide legal support to victims to pursue compensation and safeguard their rights; Create a national dialogue platform to connect Petronas, local authorities, and residents; and Launch a transparent system to track each household's recovery and compensation progress.
'Residents in places like USJ and Subang Jaya now live in fear, unsure if their homes sit above the next disaster. We cannot allow silence or bureaucracy to deepen that fear. We must act—firmly, fairly, and with the victims at the heart of every decision,' Low stressed.
Earlier today, Amirudin was quoted by Bernama as saying that the committee would comprise representatives from the state and federal governments, Petronas and relevant technical agencies to examine the findings of the full investigation report into the fire, which was submitted by the police and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) on June 26.
He also said the committee would also propose follow-up measures to be undertaken by the government, including from a legal perspective and other related matters, after examining the report.
The blaze and explosion on April 1 destroyed 81 houses with structural damage exceeding 40%, partially destroyed another 81 and affected 57 without burning, while 218 houses were unaffected, including those in Kampung Tengah, Puchong. ‒ July 4, 2025