KUALA LUMPUR — The number of premises damaged by the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights yesterday has been revised to 237, the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said in an update last night.
The higher toll than the 190 reported yesterday afternoon includes 88 which were completely burnt, of which 78 are houses and 10 shoplots, JBPM director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said.
A total of 365 vehicles were also damaged, up from the 148 recorded yesterday afternoon. The damage included melted headlights, bumpers and windscreens.
There were no deaths, but 305 people were evacuated, with 125 suffering injuries from burns and smoke inhalation. They were given treatment and are placed at temporary relief centres that include mosques and a Hindu temple.
Nor Hisham said JBPM will continue inspecting homes today for further fire risks.
Meanwhile, two insurance companies – Takaful Malaysia and Etiqa – have urged their policyholders affected by the fire to immediately contact the firms.
Etiqa said it would cover claims for eligible customers without requiring a police report to ensure a smoother and faster claims process.
Rebuilding and repair of homes and property will take time, given the scale of destruction. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who visited the site yesterday, said it could take a year.
He said the federal and Selangor governments, and Petronas, will bear the cost and responsibility of building homes and covering all associated costs. Immediate cash aid has also been announced for the victims, while government agencies are to convene emergency meetings to find immediate housing solutions.
The fire that raged for hours began at 8.10am and was successfully extinguished at 3.45pm. It was the result of a burst gas pipeline owned by Petronas Gas Bhd.
Authorities are investigating suspicions that unauthorised excavation work for a construction project nearby had damaged the pipe and caused a gas leak. – April 2, 2025