KUALA LUMPUR – PAS Selangor has voiced doubts over the final investigation report into the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, questioning its credibility for failing to identify the responsible developer and contractor, instead attributing the incident solely to soil conditions and the pipeline.
Its commissioner, Dr Ab Halim Tamuri, said the state government’s integrity in addressing public safety and welfare was now in question.
“No developer was named, no contractor was charged, and in the end, the blame was placed on the soil and pipeline—elements that cannot defend themselves,” he told reporters at a press conference in Puchong today.
“This incident not only reflects a failure of infrastructure but also exposes weaknesses in governance, transparency and the integrity of the Selangor state administration.”
Dr Ab Halim also criticised the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) for providing what he described as a vague explanation, merely citing “anthropogenic factors”.
“The report claimed the cause was due to weak soil beneath the pipeline and repeated stress, but it fails to explain how soil work was allowed within the pipeline’s Right of Way (ROW).”
He added that when questioned about earthworks on the pipeline route, DOSH only gave a general response, referring to “anthropogenic factors” without providing further clarification.
“However, dashboard camera footage from the day before the explosion clearly showed earthworks taking place at the site.”
He further revealed that the digging was carried out by a contractor currently facing disciplinary action by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).
“This raises serious concerns about monitoring and the level of transparency afforded to the contractor in question,” he said.
The Paya Jaras assemblyman also demanded to know who had approved excavation works in such a high-risk zone.
“And why has no action been taken against the developer and contractor involved?
“How can the investigation report state that all works adhered to standard operating procedures when the evidence suggests otherwise?”
He also pointed out that audit findings involving the Subang Jaya City Council and Selangor Utility Corridor (Kusel) have not been made public.
“PAS Selangor will continue to pressure the state government to initiate a fresh and comprehensive probe by an independent body with no vested interest,” he said.
Previously, DOSH confirmed that the explosion was caused by pipe failure due to weak soil conditions beneath the underground gas line, which made it unstable, leading to a leak and subsequent explosion.
The department’s director of the Petroleum Safety Division, Husdin Che Amat, said this was the main contributing factor behind the incident.
Police investigations also ruled out foul play, sabotage, or negligence as possible causes of the explosion.
The April 1 blast, which occurred at around 8.10am on the second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, sparked a massive fire and caused extensive property damage.
A total of 529 residents from 118 families were affected by the explosion. – July 3, 2025.