Lawmakers from across the political spectrum are demanding significantly stricter supervision and better inter-agency coordination for Malaysia's extensive network of utility pipelines, proposing a centralized monitoring centre following a destructive gas explosion in Putra Heights this past April.

The bipartisan calls were made on Monday, October 6, during a debate on the Parliamentary Special Select Committee's report into the incident. 

The April 1 pipeline blast, which damaged 511 homes and displaced hundreds of residents, with resulting fires reaching temperatures over 1,000°C and flames soaring more than 30 meters high.

Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib (PN-Parit) argued that Malaysia can no longer rely on outdated manual monitoring systems for public safety, calling for a dedicated center to oversee the security of pipelines that crisscross residential, commercial, and industrial zones.

"The use of satellite and real-time monitoring systems must be integrated into a centralised center, and not independently by utility companies and government agencies," Ismi stated. 

He also emphasized the importance of incorporating geohazard map data into all urban planning decisions.

To ensure sufficient resources for disaster response, Ismi proposed the creation of a utility operator-contributed fund. 

"We cannot depend on emergency disaster funds alone," he said, suggesting a small levy would enforce corporate social responsibility. 

He also called for new legislation to govern the technical aspects of pipeline development and enforce accountability.

Concurrently, Mohd Azli Yusof (PH-Shah Alam) urged a thorough review of all existing gas pipelines, stating that their age, pressure, and proximity to residential areas must be shared with local authorities for safer urban planning. 

He also emphasized the necessity of a community emergency preparedness plan involving authorities and residents living near the pipelines to ensure mitigation strategies are ready for immediate deployment.