03/07/2025

THURSDAY | JULY 3, 2025

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Call to review gas pipeline blast probe

failure and explosion. He said police together with the Department of Occupational Safety and Health conducted a thorough three-month investigation and ruled out foul play. Technical analysis revealed the damage had accumulated over time, not from a single event. It was reported that the pipeline failed at a welding joint that gave way under prolonged pressure. Signs of wear pointed to long-term stress, and friction during the rupture likely produced sparks that ignited the gas. On Tuesday, Hussein said the case had been officially classified as NFA following the outcome of the criminal investigation. However, he said the case could be reopened if new evidence or information comes to light. The explosion occurred in the early hours of April 1 at a Petronas gas pipeline in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, triggering a massive blaze visible from several kilometres away. The fire and shockwave caused widespread destruction as 81 homes suffered structural damage exceeding 40%, another 81 were partially damaged and 57 were affected without fire. A total of 218 homes were reported to be unaffected, including those in nearby Kampung Tengah, Puchong. that his company also requires drivers to announce the seat belt reminder before departing. Passengers also expressed support for the move. University student Aliah Shamira Yusri, 23, from Penang, said seat belts could prevent serious injuries, especially since most buses lack additional safety features like airbags. “At the very least, it helps protect us in case of a crash.” Nor Azira Syafiza Zuhairul, 26, a personal assistant from a private firm, echoed the sentiment. “This is a good rule. Many skip wearing seat belts on buses, although it’s a simple habit that can save lives.” – Bernama

Selangor govt warns against misuse of teaching credentials SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government has once again reminded holders of teaching credentials issued by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council not to misuse them for personal or political gain. State Islamic Religious Affairs and Innovation Committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah said this was in response to complaints involving credential holders who still held positions in political parties and were not of good moral character. He said other complaints involved actions that incited hatred or insults towards the federal or state governments, as well as raising issues that could fuel prejudice and lead to racial discord. “Regulation 14(1) of the Tauliah for Islamic Teaching (State of Selangor) Regulations 2024 has clearly set the criteria for those holding credentials. “Among the conditions are: being a Muslim who professes the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah faith, residing in Selangor, not holding any position in a political party and not being a member of the senate, Dewan Rakyat or state legislative assembly,” he said in a statement yesterday. Mohammad Fahmi said the conditions were necessary to prevent mosques from being used as venues for political propaganda and disunity, in line with the decree of the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, during the opening of the First Meeting of the Sixth Term of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly in 2023. PETALING JAYA: The Cabinet has directed the Health Ministry to issue advisories on the suitability of outdoor activities amid the ongoing heatwave and changing weather conditions brought on by the Southwest Monsoon. At the weekly press conference yesterday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil also reminded the public to remain vigilant and to refer to weather warnings issued by the Meteorological Department. The Southwest Monsoon, which typically brings drier conditions and lower humidity, is expected to persist until September. “The Health Ministry has been tasked to provide appropriate guidance on outdoor activities based on prevailing weather conditions,” he said. On a separate matter, Fahmi said there were no in-depth discussions on the chief justice’s appointment, adding that they would adhere to what was stated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly. Commenting on the prime minister’s visit to Jakarta last Friday, Fahmi said the discussions with Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

by the incident – deserve clarity over what happened and whether anyone should be held accountable.” He added that the Selangor government, which led the disaster response, should clarify how repair assistance was allocated, following concerns over unequal treatment between neighbourhoods. He said the association will continue advocating for residents’ rights and welfare, and urged open dialogue between authorities, residents and civil society groups. “We urge the public, elected representatives, MPs, NGOs and other relevant bodies to stand with us and those affected – many of whom are still struggling – in the pursuit of truth and justice. Justice delayed is justice denied.” On Monday, Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said investigations found no evidence of sabotage or negligence behind the pipeline

o Dismayed by ‘no further action’ decision, residents’ association urges for appointment of independent body for transparent and impartial investigation to be held

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

NFA. It raises questions about the investigation process. We believe a review is necessary. The affected residents deserve clarity and accountability,” he said in a statement yesterday. The association is calling for an independent commission of inquiry and full disclosure of technical and forensic findings related to the explosion. It also urged authorities to guarantee legal protection for the residents and witnesses, and to ensure fair and equal distribution of aid to all affected communities, including housing estates and traditional villages. “Those affected – whether injured, displaced or impacted

PETALING JAYA: The Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru Residents’ Welfare Association is calling on the government to revisit the probe findings on the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights and to appoint an independent body for a transparent, impartial inquiry. Its secretary, Mohd Badly Nordin said residents were dismayed by the decision to classify the case as “no further action” (NFA), describing it as a blow to transparency and justice for the those affected. “We are concerned by the decision to classify the case as

Express bus operators implementing seat belt rule KUALA LUMPUR: Express bus operators are taking the mandatory seat belt rule seriously, stepping up efforts with announcements and visible signage to remind passengers to buckle up. Bus driver Umar Abdullah, 43, said his company has instructed all drivers to make seat belt announcements before departure, in line with the new regulation that came into force on Tuesday. A spot check at KL Sentral, which serves routes to KLIA and Genting Highlands, found seat belt reminders placed at ticket counters as well. Driver Abdul Hamid Taharim, 53, welcomed the directive, calling it a timely safety measure.

He said the state government would not hesitate to suspend a teaching credential if complaints were received and would revoke it if the allegations were proven true. – Bernama Health Ministry to issue advisories on outdoor activities

“We’ve been told to remind passengers to fasten their seat belts before the bus departs,”he said when met at the KL Sentral bus terminal. He added that notices are also being put up on doors and inside buses to highlight safety measures and penalties. Under the ruling, all express and tour bus drivers and passengers are now required to wear seat belts, with non-compliance punishable by a RM300 fine, according to the Road Transport Department.

“Before this, seat belts weren’t compulsory, so passengers didn’t care. But after the recent crash, many are more alert and starting to buckle up,” he said. At the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Mohd Azlan Jusoh, 51, a driver for Yellow Star Express, said the RM300 fine is a good deterrent. “Not everyone can afford to pay it, so most will think twice, follow the rule and buckle up,” he said, adding

Indonesian Prabowo Subianto were positive, and one of the outcomes was an agreement to restart the annual consultation sessions between the leaders of both countries. He said Anwar and his delegation are expected to return to Jakarta on July 29 for the consultation session, which will coincide with events at the Asean Secretariat in the Indonesian capital. “Several-long standing issues between Malaysia and Indonesia are expected to be raised during the upcoming annual bilateral consultation, scheduled to take place at the end of July.” Fahmi also said the forum remains a key platform for both nations to exchange views and chart a way forward on important matters, including the Ambalat maritime boundary dispute, which has remained unresolved for over two to three decades. The dispute stems from overlapping maritime claims between Indonesia and Malaysia. “It is not a new issue. As the prime minister mentioned, several technical aspects will be reviewed. “The upcoming discussions will serve as a starting point, not a conclusion,” he said, adding that the last bilateral consultation was in 2017. President

An enforcement officer ensuring passengers buckle up prior to their journey. – BERNAMAPIC