SHAH ALAM, Malaysia, 30 June 2025 – The investigation into the gas pipeline explosion that occurred on 1 April 2025 between Taman Putra Harmoni and Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru has concluded, with findings presented to the public this afternoon by the Gas Pipeline Explosion Investigation Committee.
Led by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Malaysia, the committee included agencies such as the Department of Mineral and Geoscience (JMG), Public Works Department (JKR), Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). The investigation focused on two key aspects: technical elements and potential criminal factors.
PDRM’s investigation ruled out sabotage or negligence as causes of the incident. Meanwhile, the technical team found that since the gas pipeline was commissioned in 2000, the ground had subsided by 24.3 cm over 25 years. This subsidence caused the pipeline to shift by 15.9 cm, with pipe samples showing signs of stress and fatigue.
JMG further identified that the area’s soil was waterlogged, with natural underground water reservoirs causing the ground to soften. Despite the pipeline meeting technical and safety standards, its failure was attributed to environmental factors, including unstable soil, long-term groundwater accumulation, softened terrain, compromised monsoon drainage and culvert structures, and pressures from climate and population density.
The investigation concluded that subsurface environmental factors were the primary cause of the pipeline failure, with metal friction sparking a fire that led to the explosion at 8:08 AM on 1 April.
Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari stated that the investigation report will serve as a foundation for risk analysis in similar areas. A special committee under the State Disaster Management Unit, involving experts including Petronas, will be established to propose legislative amendments, revised planning approval procedures, development policies accounting for climate change risks, and safety measures for gas pipeline Right-of-Way areas.
“This is crucial to strengthen areas like Putra Heights and prevent such tragic incidents from recurring,” said Amirudin.