KUALA LUMPUR – The Selangor Utility Corridor (Kusel) did not independently approve the installation of sewer pipelines in Putra Heights, as this responsibility lies with the approving authority (PBM).
State Infrastructure and Agriculture exco Datuk Izham Hashim said that Petronas serves as the PBM in this instance because the work area is within its alignment.
"Petronas granted approval for the excavation work on March 27 and 28 and oversaw the operations within their alignment. Kusel handles permit applications, specifically for IWK sewer work for Hong & Hong Homes Sdn Bhd, scheduled from October 8, 2024, to January 8, 2025, in areas under the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) jurisdiction.
"That pertains to the MBSJ area. When the work involves the Petronas Right of Way (ROW) alignment, an application must be submitted to Petronas, which supervised the work over those two days, March 27 and 28.
"Kusel acts as a One-Stop Centre for managing utility excavation permits in Selangor, but the authority to conduct the work rests with the PBM. Other PBMs, including MBSJ, the Public Works Department (JKR), and TNB, have their own designated alignment areas.
"Kusel assists with alignment determination and mapping, but the authority to proceed with work under the PBM lies with that entity, which has been the standard operating procedure from the outset," he explained during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session today.
He made these remarks in response to concerns regarding Kusel's involvement in approving sewer work by Hong & Hong Homes Sdn Bhd near the site of a pipeline fire in Putra Heights.
Izham further elaborated that Kusel follows the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standards, which are globally recognized and endorsed by the Energy Commission.
"It adheres to all necessary protocols, including soil investigations, soil stabilization efforts, and ongoing soil studies, as soil conditions can change frequently," he noted.
However, state opposition leader Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, questioned why the ASME method, regarded as the highest standard, was not included in the report from the Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia Department regarding the Putra Heights investigation.
He emphasised that this issue concerns not only the victims and residents of Putra Heights but also those living along the 2,600km of alignment across the country.
Azmin also raised concerns about whether the soil investigation was based on a 20-year-old study using ASME standards and why there was no examination of human activities in the area.
Izham responded by stating that Petronas has its own maintenance standards for gas pipes, which are conducted regularly.
"Petronas maintains its pipes according to its standards, checking for fatigue and leaks. This is part of their standard operating procedures, and we need to understand this aspect.
"The investigation report from Putra Heights has been released, indicating that there was no human intervention in the incident. However, we agree to explore improvements in managing this pipe alignment," he said.
In the gas pipeline fire incident in Putra Heights last April, 81 houses were completely destroyed, suffering over 40% structural damage, while 81% were partially damaged. Additionally, 57% of houses were affected but not burned, and 218 houses remained unaffected, including those in Kampung Tengah, Puchong. – July 9, 2025
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