FMM president Soh Thian Lai said the affected manufacturers, many of whom rely on a steady and secure supply of gas for production, are facing potential production stoppages and financial losses.
“Even those with robust business continuity plans are not spared, as their suppliers, many of whom lack such contingency measures, are equally affected,” Soh said in a statement.
Gas supply in the area is expected to be restored on April 20, some three weeks after the April 1 explosion which destroyed 87 houses and 225 vehicles.
Soh said the disruption not only threatens operational stability but also has wider repercussions on exports and employment.
He said it could potentially undermine investor confidence in the Klang Valley, which serves as the home of numerous multinational companies and large industries.
He added that industries are actively exploring temporary solutions such as alternative gas supply arrangements or relief measures to mitigate business disruption.
These include looking into alternative supplies such as transporting liquefied natural gas using tanker lorries.
He hoped the authorities would accommodate and approve such arrangements.
“Considering it is an emergency, (we hope) the authorities can assist and approve such arrangements promptly to minimise the impact of gas supply disruption to the affected industries,” he said.
“FMM looks forward to collaborating with all relevant authorities and parties in ensuring a swift resolution to this critical issue.”
A massive gas pipeline fire involving a 500m section of a Petronas gas pipeline broke out at Jalan Putra Harmoni, Putra Heights, in Selangor on Tuesday.
The explosion left a 10m-deep crater measuring 21m by 24m, and damaged homes and other properties, as well as hundreds of vehicles, within a 500m radius.
A total of 235 premises were affected by the eight-hour blaze, with 87 houses declared a “total loss” and deemed unfit for occupation, while 148 others can be occupied after repairs.
So far, 115 of the affected houses have been certified as safe by the fire and rescue department, with the residents of 85 homes allowed to return on Thursday.
About 630 victims from 157 families are staying at temporary relief shelters – at the Putra Heights Mosque and the Subang Jaya City Council’s multipurpose hall – while another 624 victims from 151 families are staying with friends and families. - FMT
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