Kuala Lampur, April 6 -- Malaysians are all shocked and aghast at the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights. Everyone is impatiently waiting for the investigation report to find out how such a disaster could have happened. While our hearts go out to the victims, finding out who was responsible provides scant relief to those who sustained physical injuries and financial losses. It is too late for them. Much of the damage they suffered cannot be adequately compensated by monetary means. However, it is important to know whether the precautionary principle was applied, and whether it will be applied in the future to prevent or mitigate such a disaster from recurring.

Whether the precautionary principle was applied, or whether it ought to have b...