24 JUNE 2014
PRESS
STATEMENT
Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet with officers
from Petronas and residents of the villages near Bukit Beriwanat the site of the pipeline explosion
that occurred on 10 June this year. The villagers are understandably extremely
anxious about the safety aspects of the pipeline. In fact, they had expressed
their concerns even before the explosion happened.
I was briefed by the Petronas officers that the
pipeline is being repaired and that the investigations into
the cause of the
explosion is being carried out by Petronas as well as by an independent body.
The officers informed me that their team is checking the whole length of the
pipeline on the ground and are also doing aerial checks by helicopter.
At the meeting, the villagers also expressed their
fears that certain sections of the subterranean pipeline are exposed, instead
of being fully buried under the ground. Petronas has been told to look out for the
exposed sections when doing their investigations and to ensure that exposed
pipes are properly located beneath the surface of the ground.
Petronas has undertaken to make public the report of
the investigations when it is ready. The villagers want to have a meeting and
dialogue with Petronas for the report to be presented and explained to them in
my presence. Until this is done, the pipeline must remain closed and under no
circumstances is any gas is to be released into it at any time, even if repairs
have been effected in the meantime.
The safety of the villagers in the vicinity of the
pipeline is paramount, and no chances should be taken. The people must be
absolutely convinced that the pipeline is safe before it can be reopened for
use.
BARU BIAN
ADUN N70 BA’ KELALAN
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