Melaka: The Melaka government has urged all utility companies in the state to have complete standard operating procedures (SOPs) and strict, consistent checks to prevent any untoward incidents. Its chief minister, Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, emphasized the potentially huge risks associated with incidents, which could threaten safety, interrupt business operations, and affect power supply to the public.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Melaka is part of the Peninsular Gas Utilisation (PGU) grid and houses the Sungai Udang Regasification Terminal, which provides a consistent and safe gas supply not only for the state but also for the northern region and west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Ab Rauf highlighted that the state cannot ignore risks and threats that exist if safety aspects are neglected, referencing a gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Selangor, as a cautionary example.

The chief minister made these remarks while officiating the close of the state-level Safety Forum: Public Awareness on Utility Facilities, which was attended by utility agencies such as Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Petronas Gas Berhad, and Gas Malaysia Distribution Sdn Bhd. The explosion in Putra Heights highlighted that utility facilities are critical assets that pose significant risks if not properly controlled.

To address these concerns, the state government has requested the Melaka-level National Security Council to hold engagement sessions with all utility companies to ensure that safety advocacy reaches the grassroots level. In tandem with this, Ab Rauf noted a decrease in electric meter tampering cases in Melaka, with 193 incidents reported this year compared to 521 last year. However, there was an increase in infrastructure trespass and theft cases, with seven incidents reported this year compared to three last year.