Kuala lumpur: Petronas Gas Bhd (PGB) is working closely with the Ministry of Economy to introduce new regulations under the Gas Supply Act 1993 (Act 501), the Electricity Supply Act 1990 and other laws to strengthen safety and oversight around its pipeline network. PGB managing director and chief executive officer Abdul Aziz Othman said the regulations would give the company more authority over developments surrounding its right-of-way as part of lessons learned from the pipeline rupture in Putra Heights in April this year. According to BERNAMA News Agency, these regulations will provide Petronas Gas with more control over developments near its pipeline corridors, ensuring the safety of nearby communities. Abdul Aziz mentioned that the Ministry of Economy has sought input from PGB to enhance these Acts, incorporating insights from the Putra Heights incident. As part of this effort, PGB is also engaging with state governments to ensure better coordination and oversight. Abdul Aziz noted that some state gover nments, including Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, have agreed in principle to consider allowing PGB to have a seat in the planning committee. This involvement would enable PGB to review proposed projects, assess impacts like water flow and earthworks, and potentially request conditions or stop-work orders if safety is compromised. PGB operates the Peninsular Gas Utilisation (PGU) network, an approximately 2,623km high-pressure transmission system that transports gas from entry points in Kertih, Pengerang, Sungai Udang and Thailand to power plants, petrochemical industries and other users. Abdul Aziz emphasized that strengthening regulations is about preventing risks before they occur, ensuring that unauthorized activities around the pipeline do not pose risks to the infrastructure or the public. The renewed focus on safety regulations follows the Putra Heights pipeline rupture in April, which Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari attributed to soil subsidence that developed over the years, shifting the pipe by nearly 16 centimetres. Laboratory analysis indicated signs of fatigue and stress on the structure. Abdul Aziz pointed out that while incidents like the Putra Heights pipeline fire are rare, they underscore the importance of planning and regulation. Abdul Aziz expressed confidence that with closer collaboration between operators, regulators, and states, critical infrastructure and communities can coexist safely.