SUBANG JAYA — Some 20 agencies have begun investigations and safety inspections at the site of the gas pipeline fire at Jalan Putra Harmoni, Putra Heights, Subang Jaya today.
They include the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the Public Works Department as well as local government authorities and the district office.
Subang Jaya police chief ACP Wan Azlan Wan Mamat said that as of this morning, Jalan Persiaran Harmoni was closed to facilitate the movement of security forces, but will be reopened in stages.
“A briefing will be held with all the agencies involved to conduct investigations and take follow-up actions at the scene,” he told reporters at the Incident Command Post (PKTK) today.
Meanwhile, JBPM Director-General Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said his department had begun several key tasks including assessing losses to houses and vehicles affected by the gas pipeline explosion.
A team is on standby to deal with any possibility of a fire incident.
“We will work with TNB to assess the situation regarding electrical wiring, especially exposed cable…whether the wiring is safe or further action is needed to enable us to make immediate connections in the area,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
Nor Hisham said the department is paying attention to the structures of houses that were burnt or affected by the explosion.
“If they are unsafe or dangerous, we may carry out demolition work, for example, the roofs,” he said.
JBPM is also mobilising its teams from Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur and the headquarters to speed up the investigation process.
A check by Bernama in the area found that dozens of residents affected by the incident had gathered as early as 7.30 am to find out about the progress and status of their homes, as well as waiting their turn to return home to check on essential items and important documents.
Also seen entering the area affected by the fire today were members from the Bukit Aman Tracker Dog Unit (K9) and the Forensic Investigation Unit.
Yesterday, Selangor police chief Datuk Hussien Omar Khan said inspections would be carried out by the agencies involved today before residents are allowed to return to their damaged homes.
As of yesterday, a total of 364 people from 74 families affected by the fire were evacuated to two relief centres (PPS), namely at the Putra Height Mosque and the Subang Jaya City Council (MPSJ) Multipurpose Hall (Camelia Hall).
Meanwhile, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming acknowledged the difficulty of the rebuilding process ahead.
“Rebuilding or repairing the destroyed houses will take time, and the ministry is exploring proactive measures to expedite the process,” he said.
He said some victims who lost their homes are also given shelter at Masjid Nurul Iman Puchong and the temporary relief centre at Dewan Serbaguna Masjid Putra Heights.
Masjid Nurul Man Puchong and the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple have also opened their premises to provide shelter to the victims. – April 2, 2025