A gas pipeline leak in western Malaysia, belonging to the state-owned company Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), triggered a large-scale fire in Selangor state, injuring more than 100 people, according to a statement from emergency services released on Tuesday. The incident occurred during Eid celebrations, a period of family gatherings, which heightened the human and logistical impact of the accident.
The blaze extended over approximately 500 metres, according to firefighters, with flames reaching a considerable height. The gas supply was immediately shut off to contain the spread. Emergency services confirmed that 50 homes were affected, though no fatalities were reported. Videos shared on social media show intense plumes of fire and black smoke rising above rooftops, while several vehicles appear partially melted from the heat.
Impact on infrastructure and emergency response
Petronas has not yet provided detailed comments on the source of the leak, but confirmed in a statement that supply to the installation was halted once the alarm was raised. The head of Selangor state, Amirudin Shari, announced via Facebook the opening of a temporary relief centre at a nearby mosque to assist those displaced.
Authorities established a safety perimeter around the affected zone, located in a residential area, and urged residents to stay clear. The human toll is still being assessed. A resident quoted by the daily The Star described a “loud explosion” followed by “complete chaos”, prompting an immediate evacuation of the area.
Environmental and operational consequences
The incident highlights the vulnerability of energy infrastructure embedded within densely populated urban zones. Petronas, a major player in Malaysia’s gas sector, operates an extensive network of pipelines across the country. The specific location of the leak, though contained, is linked to broader facilities within Malaysia’s western energy corridor.
Investigators are continuing efforts to determine the exact cause of the failure. No further information has yet been released regarding the potential impact on regional natural gas deliveries or on supply lines affected by the partial shutdown of the network.
