Flexible work arrangements encouraged for workers affected by gas pipeline fire

IN response to the devastating gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has urged employees affected by the incident, and unable to attend work during their recovery, to request Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) from their employers.

The ministry highlighted that such arrangements are provided under Section 60P of the Employment Act 1955, which covers changes in working hours, workdays, or the workplace location.

“KESUMA calls on employers to consider the difficulties faced by their affected workers and to approve their requests for flexible working arrangements for an appropriate period,” the ministry stated in a press release today.

KESUMA further encouraged private sector employers to consider granting paid compassionate leave for affected workers, allowing them time to manage the damage to their property and deal with the aftermath of the fire.

For those requiring advice on labour-related matters, the ministry advised both employers and employees to contact the Department of Labour of Peninsular Malaysia or call 03-8886 5192 for assistance and clarification regarding workers’ rights in this situation.

Additionally, KESUMA announced that its agencies had already begun collaborating with other government bodies to provide full support to those affected by the fire and to ensure that safety measures are in place to protect workers and speed up the recovery process.

In line with this, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has already visited the incident site and initiated an investigation under Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, which requires employers to ensure the safety of workers in the workplace.

“To mitigate immediate risk, DOSH has issued a prohibition order to stop any disturbances and five prohibition notices on each of the block valves at the incident location,” the statement explained.

Any violations could lead to severe penalties, including a maximum prison sentence of two years or a fine of up to RM500,000.

Meanwhile, the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) has deployed its Prihatin Squad to the temporary relief centres in Putra Heights and surrounding hospitals to offer support to victims who have suffered trauma or physical injuries as a result of the fire.

PERKESO also confirmed that it had identified contributors among the victims who are eligible for benefits under the Disability Scheme and is currently processing their claims.

Contributors who wish to check their claims under the PERKESO social protection scheme, including benefits for Temporary and Permanent Disability, are encouraged to contact the PERKESO Customer Service Hotline at 1-300-22-8000 for further details.

NRD to assist victims with lost personal documents

The National Registration Department (NRD) is setting up a counter at the Masjid Putra Heights temporary relief centre to assist victims who lost personal documents in the wake of the gas pipeline fire at Jalan Putra Harmoni, Subang Jaya.

Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, the Deputy Minister for Women, Family, and Community Development (pic), explained that the move was necessary as some victims had been displaced and were without vital documents, such as identity cards.

“We discovered that some evacuees from the relief centre were without essential documents. Therefore, we have arranged for the NRD to set up a counter to help those affected,” Dr Noraini said during her visit to the relief centre today.

Dr Noraini added that her ministry had also deployed counsellors from the National Welfare Foundation to provide psychological support to victims, especially those who had suffered trauma from the incident.

“On behalf of the ministry, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to all the victims and express our gratitude to all parties involved, including the mosque committee, government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and everyone who has lent their support since the incident,” she added. - April 2, 2025

Up to noon today, 538 victims were displaced following the Petronas gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights.

The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) said the number has been increasing since yesterday with 120 families affected by the blast.

The latest numbers marked an increase of 54 victims from 12am last night. No deaths were recorded. - April 2, 2025