PMCJ: Gas Pipeline Explosion in Malaysia Proves that LNG is Indeed Deadly

Media Communications
Apr 3
4 min read

Batangas, Philippines — The recent gas pipeline explosion in Malaysia has sparked widespread concern, especially among climate justice groups in the Philippines.

The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) expressed deep concern over a gas pipeline explosion near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on April 1. The blast, caused by a burst gas pipe, resulted in a massive fire visible for miles and left at least 145 people hospitalized, with over 41 having since been discharged. The fire, originating from a pipeline operated by Petronas, Malaysia’s national oil company, damaged at least 190 homes and forced evacuations in nearby areas.

This explosion underscores the significant risks associated with gas infrastructure. Similarly, pipelines are essential for producing and transporting natural gas, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), highlighting the risks and dangers these incidents pose to public health and safety.

“The risks posed by LNG infrastructure are not theoretical. The explosion in Malaysia mirrors similar dangers faced by the Philippines. For example, a pipeline explosion could impact thousands of lives in Batangas. The 504-kilometer pipeline running from the Malampaya Onshore Facilities passes through several barangays, including Haligue Kanluran, Haligue Silangan, and down to Ilijan. Another route stretches from Malampaya toward Tabangao Ambulong and reaches as far as Sta. Rita. If an explosion like the one in Malaysia were to occur in Batangas, at least 29 thousand people could be affected in said barangays; and possibly, the whole city, which according to 2022 data, is more than 360 thousand people,” said PMCJ Batangas Province Lead on Climate and Energy Transition Agnes Ilagan.

These risks are real and have already caused physical harm and threatened the health and livelihoods of many residents. Ilagan recalled that last June 2024, there was an explosion sighted on an LNG tanker of FSRU BW Batangas which endangered the lives of nearby residents.

Although LNG is labeled by the Philippine government and energy companies as a ‘cleaner’ alternative to coal, it is far from ideal. Its environmental and health impacts cannot be overlooked, and the risks it poses to public safety demand urgent attention. “LNG does not lower electricity costs as promised. It does not offer a significant improvement over coal or other fossil fuels on affordability or environmental impact. In fact, it is just as harmful, and in many cases, even more dangerous, considering the risks associated with LNG infrastructure and accidents,” said PMCJ Senior Energy Officer Larry Pascua.

Pascua further emphasizes that, “Renewable energy, on the other hand, provides a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable solution that will not only help lower costs in the long run but also safeguard our health and the planet.”

In light of this tragedy, PMCJ also condemned the continued reliance on gas as an energy source in Asian countries. The organization emphasizes the urgent need to reconsider fossil gas use due to its environmental risks and potential for disasters; like the one in Malaysia.

“As these dirty companies make Batangas the LNG hub of the Philippines, more and more communities oppose LNG as it vulgarly shows how it’s deadly and destructive. The recent explosion in Malaysia is a stark reminder of the risks that LNG facilities pose to public safety and the environment. With its concentration of LNG terminals and energy facilities, Batangas is particularly vulnerable to such incidents, which could have devastating effects on both human lives and local ecosystems. The US, where it is one of the leading LNG producer countries in the world, gas pipelines lack adequate regulation, inspection and enforcement. This problem is more serious in the Philippines, as the public and communities living near them are kept in the dark on the integrity of the gas pipelines and infrastructures,” PMCJ National Coordinator Ian Rivera said.

“As a member of the ASEAN community, the Philippines must align itself with the region's environmental agenda, which calls for urgent action on climate change and the promotion of cleaner, safer energy alternatives. ASEAN has committed to transitioning to renewable energy, and it is time the Philippines, particularly in Batangas, accelerates this shift. By prioritizing renewable energy solutions over fossil fuels, we can safeguard our communities, protect our environment, and contribute to a more sustainable energy future for Southeast Asia,” Rivera added.

PMCJ stressed that the reality is undeniable: LNG is just as dangerous and damaging as other fossil fuels, with devastating consequences for public health and the environment. President Marcos Jr.'s recent signing of the gas law only deepens our reliance on this harmful energy source when we should be urgently shifting toward renewable alternatives.

“The explosions and disasters tied to LNG infrastructure are not just accidents but warnings. These tragic events must be a wake-up call to governments, especially in the Philippines, that continuing to invest in LNG is not only reckless but untenable. The future demands a commitment to renewable energy that safeguards our communities and the planet. The time for change is now, and we cannot afford to delay any longer,” Rivera ended. ###

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