Pipelines play a vital role in a country’s urban and industrial infrastructure, carrying essential resources such as water, gas, chemicals and others across vast networks. However, inadequate planning, maintenance and the aging condition of these systems have led to serious failures that disrupt services, and environmental hazards, which led to substantial repair costs. Effective pipe maintenance is critical to ensure the safety, reliability and efficiency of gas, water, slurry and other types of pipelines particularly in environments which are close to populated areas. Regular inspections leveraging advanced monitoring technologies is pivotal to conduct timely repairs and upgrades to aging pipelines to rectify leaks and structural weaknesses before they escalate. The consequences of neglecting these elements can prove to be catastrophic.
Most recently, the recent gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights in April 2025 has raised serious concerns about the role of urban planning in ensuring public safety. Though, not a result of inadequate maintenance, concerns on the placement of residential areas close to high-pressure gas pipelines, which suggests a possible lack of proper zoning regulations and insufficient risk assessments during the development approval process. The Sabah–Sarawak Gas Pipeline in Malaysia had experienced 4 leaks resulting in 2 explosions from 2014 – 2022. The frequent failures caused by frequent soil movement and subsidence ultimately lead to the decommissioning of the USD 1 billion infrastructure in January 2025. Another notable incident occurred in December 2020, when a burst pipe in Rawang caused widespread water cuts across the Klang Valley, affecting more than 1.2 million account holders. Aging infrastructure and delayed maintenance, triggered public frustration and highlighted the vulnerabilities in Malaysia’s water distribution network. In 2021 alone, Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) reported over 1,400 cases of pipe bursts, with significant losses in treated water and millions in repair costs.
To future-proof Malaysia’s pipeline infrastructure, proactive pipeline management must become a top priority. This includes transitioning from reactive repairs to predictive maintenance using smart technologies like pressure sensors and digital twins, enforcing stricter construction and safety codes, and investing in long-term rehabilitation projects. The Pipeline Planning, Maintenance & Upgrades by Trueventus will showcase case studies and best practices for thorough and routine inspections, proactive preventive maintenance strategies, and long-term upgrade planning tailored to Malaysia’s complex infrastructure landscape. As the nation continues to experience challenges from aging pipelines, urban expansion, and industrial demands, the conference becomes an essential convergence point for engineers, utility providers, municipal authorities, and project consultants.