Devastation and Uncertainty Grip Putra Heights Residents After Gas Pipeline Explosion
A tragic gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights has left families displaced, properties reduced to ruins, and uncertainty hanging over those affected. Among them is Zainab Manap, who was celebrating Hari Raya at her home in Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru when the powerful blast shattered the festivities.
Initially mistaking the explosion for an aircraft crash, Zainab and her family, including her grandchildren, managed to escape in their vehicle. Now, days later, she has yet to return home, as authorities have deemed the area unsafe. Speaking from a temporary shelter at Putra Heights Mosque, she expressed concern over the fate of her house.
“This was meant to be a time of joy, but instead, we are facing this disaster,” she lamented. Having previously suffered from severe flooding in 2021, she described the explosion’s impact as an even greater challenge.
A Desperate Wait for Answers
Authorities reported that 235 buildings and nearly 400 vehicles sustained damage in the fire. A total of 364 individuals from 74 families are currently being housed at evacuation centres. Flames from the pipeline fire soared into the sky, causing widespread panic as residents rushed to safety.
Among those affected is Suhaida Suid, 50, who had been in Pahang celebrating the holiday when she received news that her rented home of over 20 years had been completely destroyed. With all her belongings lost, including her daughter’s university essentials, she now faces the daunting task of starting anew.
“I have nowhere to go and must rebuild my life from scratch,” she shared, tears welling in her eyes.
Lorry driver Che Afizy, 40, was at work when he received a distress call from his wife. His family managed to escape the fire, but his wife and youngest child suffered minor burns and were treated at Putrajaya Hospital. In addition to their home, his car and motorcycles were also damaged, leaving him uncertain about when he can return to work.
“I never thought something like this could happen. It has completely changed our lives,” he said.
Calls for Accountability
As victims grapple with their losses, concerns over the cause of the disaster have surfaced. Authorities are investigating whether the explosion was linked to unauthorised digging near the Petronas gas pipeline.
Zainab, among others, questioned why work had been allowed so close to such a critical infrastructure. “Who approved this? Someone must take responsibility,” she stated.
The Selangor police chief confirmed that investigations are underway, with experts examining the site to determine the exact cause. Reporters have not yet been granted access to the affected area.
Hopes for Government Support
Stanley Kajan, 54, whose rented home was damaged in the blast, compared the experience to an earthquake. While he holds no resentment toward those responsible, he urged the government to assist all affected families, regardless of their homeownership status.
“The incident wasn’t intentional, but those impacted need help,” he said. Concerned about his financial stability, he fears losing wages due to missing work while tending to his family’s well-being.
The government has pledged financial aid of RM5,000 (US$1,123) for those who lost their homes and RM2,500 for those with damaged properties. However, residents remain uncertain about their long-term prospects.
A Long Road to Recovery
Residents waiting outside Putra Harmoni estate anxiously anticipate permission to check on their homes. Some, like Mike Wee, have already seen the destruction firsthand.
“It’s completely ruined. We’ve lost everything,” he said, recalling the eerie smell of burnt debris still lingering in the air. Given just 25 minutes to retrieve belongings, his family salvaged only a few clothes. Remarkably, their pet dog and cat survived.
Zainab and many others are now left in limbo, hoping for clarity and support as they try to rebuild their lives from the devastation.
