The utilities firm said, however, that this was subject to the outcome of court proceedings and based on information available to date.

In a Bursa filing, it also said it had appointed legal counsel to advise and represent the company in the matter.

According to the filing, the plaintiffs are also suing Hong & Hong Homes Sdn Bhd, Pinterest Ventures Sdn Bhd, the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) and the government as defendants.

The plaintiffs, led by Loh Poh Heng, have appointed former attorney-general Tommy Thomas as their lead lawyer.

The residents, most of whom are from Taman Putra Harmoni, are also seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as legal costs and any other relief deemed fit by the court.

They claimed that Petronas Gas committed the tort of private nuisance and may be liable under the doctrine of Rylands v Fletcher for permitting the escape of gas and fire from its land onto the plaintiffs’ properties.

They further claim breaches of statutory duties under the Gas Supply Act 1993 and the Petroleum (Safety Measures) (Transportation of Petroleum through Pipelines) Regulations 1985.

The gas pipeline explosion on April 1 sent flames soaring over 30m high, with temperatures reaching 1,000°C. No fatalities were reported, but about 150 people sought hospital treatment.

The fire left a crater measuring 21m by 24m and 10m deep. Eighty-one houses were destroyed, 81 more partially damaged, and 57 were affected by heat or debris.

Investigations by the authorities identified unstable soil conditions beneath the pipeline as the cause of the blaze.