General Insurance Industry Mobilises Support After Putra Heights Gas Pipeline Blast

• Do not enter your homes until it’s declared safe by authorities.
• Be vigilant for any signs of gas exposure, which may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, and confusion, as gas exposure can have delayed effects.
• Seek medical assistance if you or anyone around you exhibit concerning signs, especially children or the elderly.
• Remain vigilant of your safety and follow official guidelines of authorities and emergency respondents.

• Make sure to ventilate the area as residual gas may linger.
• Contact your insurer as soon as possible to initiate claim and seek guidance on the claims process.
• Before you start your clean-up, document the damage with photos and videos to support an insurance claim.
• Make a list of damaged items, including their brand, model and serial numbers, if you can for your household content.
• Obtain written approval from your insurer before proceeding with any house repair, including emergency work, as unauthorised work may not be covered by your homeowner policy/certificate.

• Contact your insurer as soon as possible, as coverage terms may vary. Below are key areas of cover.
  
  
  • Fire Damage Coverage: Covers damage from direct burning, heat, smoke, and extinguishment water, which can affect nearby properties.
  • Homeowners (HO/HH) Policy: Covers damage from explosion, including gas pipeline explosion incidents, with compensation based on rebuilding costs.
  • Commercial Fire Policy: Coverage for explosion depends on policy terms, with compensation based on rebuilding costs.
  • Medical Health Insurance Policy: Covers medical treatment for injuries sustained due to the incident.
  • Personal Accident Policy: Provides coverage in case of permanent disablement or death. Claims can be filed by the insured or their next of kin.
  • Comprehensive Motor or Third-Party Fire and Theft Policy: Covers fire-related damage to vehicles.

For any clarifications, policyholders are advised to consult their agent or directly with their insurer, as coverage terms may vary between insurance providers.

It is currently too early to determine the total financial impact of this incident. The industry will continue to assess the situation as claims continue to come in.

Most standard home and contents policies in Malaysia provide coverage for damage caused by explosions. However, customers should clarify with their own insurers or by reading their product disclosure statement to better understand what they are covered for. Compensation is typically based on rebuilding cost.