The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has sounded the alarm over serious business continuity challenges facing approximately 200 industrial firms affected by the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Selangor.
FMM President Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai stated that the explosion, which occurred on April 1, has led to widespread disruption in gas supply—posing a direct threat to manufacturers heavily reliant on consistent energy input for production. With gas supply only expected to resume by April 20, businesses are bracing for up to three weeks of halted or reduced operations.
“Even companies with well-established business continuity plans are feeling the pressure, as many of their suppliers lack such contingencies and are similarly impacted,” said Soh.
He noted that the disruption not only risks production stoppages and financial losses but also threatens to ripple across export activities and employment, potentially shaking investor confidence in the Klang Valley—a key industrial and commercial hub.
In response, affected firms are urgently exploring alternatives, including the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) via tanker lorries. Soh called on authorities to expedite approvals for such emergency measures to mitigate disruptions.
“Given the extraordinary circumstances, we hope the relevant authorities can assist and approve such arrangements promptly to minimise the overall impact,” he added. “FMM is committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a swift and coordinated resolution.”
The explosion—caused by a fire involving a 500-metre section of a Petronas gas pipeline—left a 10-metre-deep crater and affected 235 premises within a 500-metre radius. The blaze destroyed 87 houses and damaged 225 vehicles, displacing over 1,200 residents.
Currently, around 630 victims are housed at temporary relief centres, while another 624 have sought shelter with relatives or friends. Efforts to assess and certify the structural safety of affected homes are ongoing, with 115 homes declared safe and 85 families allowed to return as of Thursday.
As investigations continue and restoration efforts are underway, the incident has exposed the fragility of industrial ecosystems reliant on centralised utilities—and raised urgent calls for more resilient infrastructure planning.-FMT
