01/07/2025

TUESDAY | JULY 1, 2025

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Putra Heights gas blast not caused by sabotage

VEP enforcement at Johor border begins today JOHOR BAHRU: From today, Singaporean vehicles entering Malaysia without a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) will face an immediate RM300 compound, as full enforcement at the Malaysia-Singapore land border kicks in. The enforcement is in line with Section 66H(7) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) which states that it is an offence for anyone to drive a foreign-registered vehicle without a permit when entering or being present in Malaysia. According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke on June 4, the implementation of VEP is crucial not only for cross-border traffic control but also for enhancing the enforcement of road laws on foreign vehicles. Failure to comply with the requirement may result in the vehicle being barred from exiting Malaysia until the compound is settled and the VEP tag activated. All foreign vehicles entering Malaysia via the Johor Causeway and the Second Link are required to register through the portal vep.jpj.gov.my, pay a RM10 fee for the RFID VEP (radio frequency identification) sticker which is valid for five years and settle a RM20 road charge for each entry. According to information on the website – vep.jpj.gov.my – vehicles registered under the VEP system will receive a non-transferable RFID tag with a unique identification code for each vehicle. For individual private vehicle owners who have only completed pre-registration, a summons will be issued and the vehicle will not be allowed to leave Malaysia until the payment is made. For company-owned vehicles, a notice will be issued only if pre-registration has been done, while compounds will be imposed for those with no registration at all. Compounds can only be paid via cashless methods at the Road Transport Department (RTD) counters, mobile RTD trucks or online platforms such as MyEG. To date, 231,018 VEP stickers have been issued to private and company-owned vehicles from Singapore, but only 194,507 were installed and activated. – Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: With Malaysia’s population rapidly ageing, the government is gearing up to table the long-awaited Senior Citizens Bill in Parliament next year as part of a broader push to ramp up aged care training and strengthen safety nets for older Malaysians. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the bill is on track, pending final talks with state authorities and industry stakeholders. “The draft is already there. We hope to submit it to the Attorney General’s Chambers by the end of this year. “If all goes well, it might be tabled this year, but realistically, it will likely have to wait until next year,” she told reporters at the Asean–Republic of Korea (ROK) Conference on Care and Support for Older Persons. Also present were her deputy Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Dr Maziah Che Yusoff and South Korean Ambassador to Asean Lee Jang-Keun. The conference aims to deepen understanding of ageing-related Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

They are: * The shoplot structures and pipeline were built in accordance with guidelines set by the Subang Jaya City Council and Petronas, including a 40-metre buffer zone from the gas line; *Excavation work for sewer lines did not directly affect the pipeline, which was buried 5.6 metres deep and located 3.5 metres from the sewer line; and *There was no construction activity or sign of sabotage at the time of the explosion. Sewer works had ended on March 30, and no abnormal gas readings were recorded prior to the blast. Levels only dropped suddenly when the explosion occurred. Hussein said police had explored possible sabotage under criminal provisions and negligence under Sections 285 and 286 of the Penal Code, related to fire and explosive materials. “In conclusion, there is no evidence of sabotage or negligence that directly caused the pipeline failure or explosion.” DOSH petroleum safety division director Husdin Che Amat said the likely cause was a combination of excessive ground pressure, unstable soil and prolonged external stress. “A technical probe was carried out with other agencies to determine the root cause of the leak near Jalan Putra Harmoni. Five pipe samples were collected between April 15 and May 8. “Analysis revealed stress lines at the pipe’s fracture points, indicating the damage built

up over time rather than being caused by a single event. “The failure stemmed from a welding joint that gave way due to tensile overload. Stretch lines along the pipe’s diameter pointed to material fatigue from repeated stress.” Husdin said metallurgical testing confirmed that long-term external pressure was a significant factor. “Poor drainage, soft soil and accumulated groundwater further weakened the pipe. The Public Works Department (PWD) found a 15.9cm displacement at the welded joint.” He also said Petronas has identified other sections of its gas pipeline network that may be vulnerable to similar issues that caused the explosion. “The agency (DOSH) has engaged with Petronas to outline the immediate and long term steps that need to be taken. “Clear directives have been issued, as the root issue has been identified. Petronas will now take proactive steps to carry out the necessary upgrades and improvements.” The Fire and Rescue Department concluded that friction between metal components of the ruptured pipeline likely ignited the gas and triggered the blast. The explosion destroyed 81 houses with structural damage exceeding 40%, partially destroyed another 81 and affected 57 without burning, while 218 houses were unaffected. “It is an important moment for Selangor to determine the necessary follow-up actions and to be proactive in the matter.” Amirudin said the state government is also open to considering legal reforms and input from the federal government to ensure transparency and to clearly communicate the investigation’s findings to the public. By HARITH KAMAL

SHAH ALAM: There is no evidence of sabotage or negligence behind the gas pipeline failure and explosion in Putra Heights on April 1, said Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan. Speaking at a press conference at the Selangor state government office yesterday, Hussein said a thorough joint investigation by the police and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) had ruled out foul play. “Our focus was on contractors working on nearby shoplots and surrounding areas, including the possibility of bombs or fireworks.” Investigators interviewed 212 individuals, including victims, Petronas representatives, local council officials, developers, contractors, independent witnesses and members of the public. The investigation yielded several key findings, said Hussein. o Joint probe by police and DOSH finds no criminal act or negligence in explosion; structural stress and soil instability cited as causes Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Special committee to assess findings related to explosion SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government will form a special committee in collaboration with Petronas and other relevant agencies to propose follow-up actions, laws and regulations in response to the gas pipeline explosion. Its proposals will focus on preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not recur, he added.

“The next step involves this special committee under the state government supported by Petronas and other bodies to propose follow-up actions including legal and regulatory measures that can be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the committee will evaluate all findings and reports related to the incident.

Senior Citizens Bill set for 2026

Provident Fund on strengthening long-term financial protection for retirees. “We’ve started the conversation, but no decisions have been finalised yet. It’s a complex issue that requires careful planning.” Nancy also raised alarm over the proliferation of unlicensed elderly care centres, warning that they pose serious risks to vulnerable individuals. “When centres aren’t licensed, there’s no oversight, and we don’t know what’s happening behind closed doors. “This needs a whole-of community approach. It’s not the government’s responsibility alone.” To tackle this, she said the government has reviewed the National Policy and Plan of Action for Older Persons, which focuses on expanding access to care, improving services and upholding dignity for the elderly. The plan’s implementation is overseen by the National Advisory and Consultative Council for Older Persons. “The responsibility to uphold the dignity and wellbeing of our older persons goes beyond national duty, it is a collective Asean duty,” Nancy said.

challenges across Asean and South Korea, while exploring collaborative solutions and regional policy frameworks. Nancy stressed that the Senior Citizens Bill must be inclusive and receive buy-in from all states. “The bill isn’t just for West Malaysia. We want to make sure every state, especially Sabah and Sarawak, is on board. “There’s strong public interest in this legislation, especially from the private sector and civil society. “The industry is booming, and many want a seat at the table. That’s why we’re conducting another round of consultations.” The move comes as Malaysia approaches aged nation status by 2030, when those aged 60 and above are projected to make up at least 15.3% of the population. To meet rising care demands, Nancy said the government is working to build a self-sustaining local caregiving workforce and reduce reliance on foreign carers. “Caregiving will be more deeply integrated into the Technical and Vocational Education and Training system. “It’s something we should’ve done

Nancy (centre), accompanied Noraini and Lee visiting a booth at the ROK conference on Care and Support for Older Persons yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

recognised qualifications so they can secure better opportunities in the sector.” She also highlighted financial insecurity as a growing concern among older Malaysians, particularly with healthcare costs rising and pressure mounting on the “sandwich generation” who support both children and elderly parents. She said initial discussions have been held with the Employees

long ago; but there’s no use looking back. We need to move forward. “Caregiving is noble work, and it offers strong earning potential. Many institutions are approaching us in search of local talent.” Nancy added that the ministry has begun upskilling its own staff and plans to expand training and certification programmes to the wider public. “We want to equip people with