Selangor police have confirmed that the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, on April 1 wasn’t caused by sabotage, negligence, or any criminal activity.
The incident, which occurred around 8.06am, led to a major fire that lasted for nearly seven hours before it was fully extinguished by the fire department at 3.45pm.
According to Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, the explosion had originated from a buried gas pipeline owned by Petronas.
Police were alerted to the incident after receiving a report from a member of the public who noticed a house fire near Jalan Putra Heights.
Investigators initially looked into two possibilities – deliberate sabotage under Section 435 of the Penal Code, and negligence involving fire or explosives under Sections 285 and 286.
However, after a detailed investigation, both were ruled out.
No evidence of explosion caused by construction works found
Police also examined ongoing construction works in the area, including shop lot developments and sewer pipe replacement works.
A total of 212 individuals were interviewed, including victims, representatives from Petronas, Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), contractors, independent experts, and members of the public.
The findings revealed that the construction and sewer replacement works followed the required safety guidelines, with all activities maintaining a safe distance from the gas pipeline as required by MBSJ and Petronas regulations.
The physical gas pipeline was buried 5.6 metres below ground and located 3.5 metres away from the nearest sewer pipe.
There were also no active construction works or suspicious activities taking place at the time of the explosion, and all sewer works had already been completed two days prior on March 30.
Petronas reported that gas pressure levels were normal before the explosion occurred. However, during the incident, there was a sudden drop in pressure. No explosive substances were also found at the site.
The case has since been officially closed as of June 30.
