KUALA LUMPUR — Out of the Putra Heights inferno tragedy that struck surrounding neighbourhoods on April 1, comes a message loud and clear – humanity matters most in situations like these – as shown by a mosque and a Hindu temple which stepped up to provide unwavering support for residents affected by the gas pipeline explosion.
As emergency responders worked tirelessly to contain the situation and ensure public safety, the local community’s grassroots efforts brought comfort and hope to those displaced or distressed.
At the forefront of the humanitarian efforts were those from the Putra Heights Mosque, who swiftly transformed the prayer halls into a relief centre and coordinated food distribution drives for the victims. It was reported that more than 200 victims of the gas pipeline blast were placed at the mosque.
“When we first heard about the gas pipeline incident and how it affected so many families in Putra Heights, we knew we had to act fast,” Muhammad Khair Zainal, chairman of the Putra Heights mosque, told Scoop when contacted.
“As a mosque, our role goes beyond prayers. We are here to serve the community, regardless of race or religion.”
Volunteers from the mosque came together to distribute essentials such as food, drinking water, hygiene products, and to offer emotional support to families traumatised by the incident.
“It does not matter whether you pray in a mosque, a temple, or a church – when disaster strikes, we must stand together as Malaysians and help each other in any way we can,” Muhammad Khair added.
Just about 2.4km away, the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple also opened its doors to serve as a temporary relief centre, providing medical care for those affected and coordinating outreach through its network of nearly 100 youth volunteers.
It was reported that a total of 49 victims with minor injuries – including burns, cuts, and breathing difficulties – received initial treatment from Health Ministry personnel.
Temple adviser R. Manikavasagam told Scoop that the situation highlighted the importance of unity, especially in light of recent racial tensions emerging.
“Recently, there have been tensions in our country due to racial misunderstandings, but this incident proves that at the core, Malaysians stand united. We do not let isolated incidents define us.
“When someone is in need, we do not ask about their race or religion – we just help. That has always been our policy over the years. Even before the incident, we had been conducting several feeding programmes at the temple for those in need, without considering race or religion.
“This is the true spirit of Malaysia, and we hope to continue fostering this harmony through our actions, not just our words,” said Manikavasagam.
On April 1, a massive explosion and fire erupted at a Petronas gas pipeline in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, sending huge flames into the air and causing widespread panic.
The intense heat from the flames – felt kilometres away from the site – reportedly melted plastic and rubber objects in a wide radius around the pipeline.
A total of 145 people were injured in the incident and are being treated at various hospitals, while 227 homes were affected, 81 of which were destroyed.
Additionally, 365 vehicles were damaged, including 275 cars and 56 motorcycles. – April 12, 2025