This article first appeared in The Edge Malaysia Weekly on April 14, 2025 - April 20, 2025

Two weeks after the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights disrupted operations of nearly 300 companies, clear and consistent updates have been lacking — raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

And this is not counting the firms that rely on the operations of the disrupted companies. The Edge is one such company. It has brought forward deadlines as its printer is hit by the gas supply cuts.

During this time, Petronas Gas Bhd (KL:PETGAS), the country’s gas transmission pipeline operator, has issued just three announcements on Bursa Malaysia. Its most recent update, referencing gas “transporters”, “shippers” and a 7% figure related to supply commitments, offers little clarity. The statement seemed more like a formality than a genuine effort to inform.

In contrast, Gas Malaysia Bhd (KL:GASMSIA) has provided more frequent and informative updates. Notably, it was Gas Malaysia — not PetGas — that first disclosed gas supply will remain off until April 20. Its latest update also included the first official number of affected customers: 275, down from the earlier 299.

Before that, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers had reported that more than 200 companies were impacted.

The Energy Commission, the industry regulator, did not issue a statement until April 7, six days after the incident — highlighting another gap in timely communication.

Meanwhile, businesses are feeling the strain.

Last Friday, the Malaysian glove makers’ association issued an urgent appeal for affordable alternative gas supplies, warning of production disruptions that could affect the global supply of medical gloves.

Information about the disruption has been patchy at best. Inconsistent updates have led to confusion and limited accountability. With livelihoods and industries affected, the public deserves full and transparent disclosure. This is not just a business issue — it is a matter of public interest. Trust and progress depend on clear communication.

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