TANKER Vs TRAIN, WHAT A JOKE?

Dear Editor,

PAS is deeply concerned about the recent accident that took place between a Shell tanker and a Sabah State Railways train near Petagas. PAS wants a thorough investigation to be conducted into what actually took place. This investigation must be done quickly and in depth without any facts being left out.

PAS categorically and emphatically states that the investigation must be carried out by a totally independent, neutral, international, professional, third party safety consultant. If the investigation is carried out purely by the parties involved in the accident, then the findings may not be accurate, and this is not acceptable.

That is why a totally independent reputable third party safety consultant is required, who can interview Shell, Sabah State Railways, and others as required, so as to determine accurate findings.

Though one of the accident parties is from a reputed major world oil company, still the collision must be investigated by a totally independent safety consultancy . If the oil company involved, is itself allowed to lead the investigation or dominate the investigation (which can easily happen) then the proceedings may lack transparency and there might not be a fair outcome.

To highlight this point, PAS wishes to mention an accident that took place in Bintulu Shell Terminal some few years ago when during shutdown works, a small flash fire took place. However instead of thoroughly reviewing and investigating the cause of the small fire, a decision was made by senior personnel to continue welding though some precautions were taken.

This soon resulted in a major fire in the Terminal and serious efforts had to be taken to bring this major fire under control. No doubt there was an investigation and there were several findings and recommendations.

However, despite the investigation, the senior personnel whose instructions were responsible for the fire appeared not to have been blamed or disciplined. Instead, one of the senior personnel later received a lucrative transfer to Shell Middle East and the Superintendent who was accountable was later promoted and transferred to Shell USA. This is a strange outcome for such a serious accident.

PAS wants a meaningful investigation which is fair to all parties and not something that might lack transparency. To prevent such accidents from happening again, there is a need to learn from what actually happened in Petagas. This can only be done through a truly professional investigation and fair play.

Best Regards,

HJ. HAMZAH HJ. ABDULLAH,

PAS Sabah Deputy Chief.