PETALING JAYA: Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd has denied any role in the laying of a sewerage pipeline in Putra Heights, the site of yesterday’s massive fire.

In a statement, the national sewerage company clarified that the private sewer pipeline – which is connected to IWK’s main pipeline – is constructed by the developer’s contractor.

“While IWK granted planning approval, the responsibility for regulatory compliance and authority approvals lies with the developer and its appointed contractor, which is not registered with IWK as claimed in media reports.”

IWK was responding to Subang Jaya mayor Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim who had earlier today said that the developer was allowed to use the “right of way” land to lay the project’s IWK pipeline.

Amirul also said the contractor involved is part of a panel approved by IWK and national oil company, Petronas.

He had said this when revealing that the contractor conducting earthworks near the site of the gas pipeline fire had the necessary permits.

When contacted, IWK also denied Amirul’s statement that the contractor had hired them to lay the pipes.

“The contractor was hired by the developer.”

The fire, which broke out yesterday morning along Jalan Putra Harmoni, engulfed a 500m section of a gas pipeline, leaving at least 111 people injured – with many requiring hospitalisation for burns and respiratory issues.

The incident also caused severe damage to houses and vehicles.