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Malaysiakini
06-06-2025
- General
- Malaysiakini
Sombre Aidiladha for victims of Putra Heights gas pipeline fire
As Muslims across the country celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha, residents of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru in Puchong, whose homes were destroyed in the gas pipeline inferno in April, must summon the strength to face the day. Although the familiar aroma of ketupat and rendang does not fill their kitchens this year, they remain grateful to have survived the tragedy. Nasir Ab Hamid, 69, said...
Free Malaysia Today
06-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
A sombre Aidiladha for Putra Heights gas inferno victims
The gas pipeline fire destroyed 81 houses, with more than 40% of the structures sustaining structural damage; 81 other houses were partially destroyed and 57 houses were affected but not burned. (EPA Images pic) SUBANG JAYA : As Muslims look forward to celebrating Hari Raya Aidiladha tomorrow, residents of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru in Puchong must summon the strength to face the day, two months after their homes were destroyed in the gas pipeline inferno on April 2. Among them was Nasir Ab Hamid, 69, who said sheer will and determination have been his family's main source of strength in forging ahead despite now living with minimal means after losing most of their belongings in the fire. 'My family and I are grateful to be alive and to have received support from the community and various parties. However, I hope the recovery process, particularly the promised rebuilding of our home, can be expedited so that life can return to normal,' he said. Nasir's house remains without a roof, except for the garage, and the interior was devoid of furniture or electrical appliances, which had been destroyed in the intense heat of the fire. Nasir lives in the house alone, sleeping in the garage on a mattress he received from the temporary relief centre. 'Although I received financial assistance to rent a house, I feel more comfortable staying in my own home as I can also keep an eye on what's left of my belongings while my wife and four of our children occupy the rented house,' he said, expressing hope that the government would expedite the repair process for all victims' homes. Another resident, Ahmad Danial, 25, said that their lives are no longer the same, especially with the lingering trauma still deeply affecting the entire family. 'There are no major preparations (for Aidiladha). The house is still in ruins, making it difficult to gather comfortably with the family. We are relying on donations from local associations and neighbours,' he said, adding that he lost his job following the incident. Ahmad Kamarul Meskam, 42, expressed despair for not being able to gather with his siblings for Aidiladha after their mother's house was destroyed in the incident. He said before the fire, they lived in the same village. 'We have no plans to celebrate Aidiladha since we are now living in separate areas.,' he said, admitting that the tragedy has left a profound emotional impact. It is understood that the Kampung Sungai Baru Residents Association will hold a sacrificial ritual in conjunction with Aidiladha on Sunday on a plot of land in the village, thanks to donations of several cows and goats from an anonymous benefactor. The gas pipeline fire, which occurred at 8.10am, resulted in flames shooting up 30 metres high, with temperatures reaching 1,000 degrees Celsius. Firefighters took nearly eight hours to completely extinguish the fire. A total of 81 houses were destroyed, with more than 40% of the structures sustaining structural damage; 81 other houses were partially destroyed, 57 houses were affected but not burned, and 218 houses remained unaffected.
Free Malaysia Today
02-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
As temporary aid expires, gas line fire victims plead for extension
Eighty-one homes were destroyed in the April 1 fire, with structural damage exceeding 40%. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Victims of the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire are hoping that temporary aid like rental homes and vehicles previously provided by various parties can be extended as some of the assistance expired recently. Two months after the incident on April 1, some victims are in a quandary as they are required to return the temporary homes, cars and motorcycles given to them. Nasir Ab Hamid, 69, a resident of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, said his family is currently staying in a small house near their original home, with rental support for three months while waiting for their house to be repaired. 'My house was deemed a total loss, with an estimated repair cost of RM150,000, but to this day, the appointed contractor has yet to begin work,' he told Bernama when met at the housing estate today. Nasir said the temporary vehicle he received was also returned last month after the loan period ended. 'For daily errands, if I need a car, I use my Kancil that I've slowly repaired bit by bit. We're not looking for luxury, just a car that can serve our everyday needs,' said the father of nine. Nasir said his family is trying to carry on with life as usual for now, understanding that repairs to their home will take time as many other houses were also affected. His wife, Aliyah Ismail, 55, said she was grateful for the aid given to them but hopes that cash compensation would also be provided to help victims, especially those left homeless. Previously a catering business operator, she now sells traditional cakes and snacks, earning between RM20 and RM30 a day to help cover daily expenses, in addition to financial support from her children. 'As of now, we haven't heard anything about compensation, only about home repairs. Compensation should be given. We have no money, no income. Rental is expensive. 'Goods are expensive, too, and to restart my catering business, I need to buy a lot of supplies and equipment because everything was destroyed in the fire,' she said. The gas pipeline fire saw flames soaring over 30m high with temperatures reaching 1,000 degrees Celsius. Firemen took nearly eight hours to fully extinguish the blaze. Eighty-one homes were destroyed, with structural damage exceeding 40%. Another 81 houses were partially damaged, and 57 homes were affected but not burned.
