PUTRA HEIGHTS – Victims of the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights remain in the dark about when they will be able to return to their homes and resume their lives.
The majority of those affected are residents from the area near the incident site. As of now, reports show that 529 individuals have been displaced, with many currently seeking refuge at Dewan Masjid Putra Heights and Dewan Camelia, a multi-purpose hall managed by the Subang Jaya City Council.
Among those displaced, 485 people from 110 families are taking shelter at Dewan Masjid Putra Heights, while 44 individuals from eight families have found refuge at Dewan Camelia.
Speaking to Scoop, 54-year-old Stanley Kajan, originally from Sarawak, expressed his uncertainty about when he and his family could return home.
“This is the worst period of my life. Most of my valuable belongings have been destroyed in the fire, including my car. Thank God I managed to escape with my children before the fire reached us.
“We are grateful for everything we have received at the relief centre, as we have been provided with all the basic necessities. In fact, I arrived here with just one shirt, and the rest of my clothing was given to me by the people at the centre. But nothing feels like home, and I long to be back with my family.
“I still have no information on when the reconstruction of my house will begin, as the authorities have yet to update me. Perhaps they are overwhelmed by the sheer number of victims like myself.
“I just hope to receive some good news soon. If the worst comes to the worst, I may have to stay with my relatives,” Stanley told Scoop at Dewan Masjid Putra Heights.
Meanwhile, 30-year-old Nabilah Samsudin shared her own frustrations when trying to return to her home. Authorities informed her that the lingering smell of the gas leak still posed a respiratory risk to residents.
“My house is not severely affected as I live slightly further from the incident site. However, when my family and I tried to go back yesterday, the authorities told us that we were not allowed to return yet.
“They explained that the smell of gas is still very strong and harmful to our lungs, so all residents must stay away until further notice. I am abiding by their instructions, as I am especially concerned for my younger daughter’s health—she suffers from asthma.
“But don’t get me wrong, the authorities are taking good care of us, and we have no issues here. I also heard a rumour that we may be able to return home in the next two weeks. I really hope it’s true, as I would love to be with my family for Hari Raya this year,” Nabilah said when met at Dewan Camelia.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that the federal government, in collaboration with national energy company Petronas and the Selangor government, will repair and rebuild properties damaged by the gas pipeline fire.
Anwar stated that the reconstruction process could take up to a year. The government will coordinate efforts with the Housing and Local Government Ministry to submit proposals on the next steps after engaging with residents’ groups.
In the meantime, the government has announced financial assistance, providing RM5,000 to those whose homes were completely destroyed, while homeowners with damaged properties will receive RM2,500. – April 3, 2025