SHAH ALAM — Selangor’s Madani Aidilfitri Open House, scheduled to be held tomorrow, has been cancelled out of respect for the victims of the gas pipeline disaster at Putra Heights, Subang Jaya.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, had consented to the decision.
“Food preparations for the event have begun, so all food will be channelled to the temporary evacuation centre, orphanages, boarding schools and security personnel.
“On behalf of the state government, I apologise for any inconvenience caused by this cancellation, which is made out of respect for the victims and their families affected by the Putra Heights disaster,” he told a press conference today to provide updates on the fire victims.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was to have attended the state’s Hari Raya open house event tomorrow.
The Selangor Royal Office also announced the cancellation, stating Sultan Sharafuddin’s deep concern and sympathy for the fire victims.
“His Royal Highness’ decision has been conveyed to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who has expressed his full support for the cancellation,” it said in a statement on Facebook.
The Sultan also decreed that all preparations made for the event, particularly food, be redirected to evacuees at temporary relief centres, safety personnel, firefighters, volunteers, non-governmental organisations, as well as nearby orphanages and schools.
The gas pipeline blaze on April 1 displaced 1,254 people from 308 families. Of the total 235 properties damaged, 87 houses are a total loss, while others are in need of repair before they can be re-occupied. Another 115 homes have been certified safe for their residents to return.
Amirudin today said as of now, residents of 130 homes have been granted clearance to reoccupy their homes in stages after safety checks by authorities, and after utilities have been reconnected.
He said those allowed to return are mostly from Taman Putra Harmoni.
Affected residents of Kg Sg Baru are not able to return as authorities cannot guarantee their safety as yet. However, they can request permission to return to their homes to collect personal items provided they are accompanied by the authorities. – April 5, 2025