She was just a year away from retirement when the gas pipeline blast in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, shook her world.
Maths teacher Ruzita Mohd Suhel Aziz was in Indonesia celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri with her in-laws when the blast occurred.
Three days later, she returned home to Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, which was located about 300m from the inferno.
Although Ruzita was relieved to find that her home was not as badly damaged as some nearby houses, she remained deeply upset.
“My house windows are badly broken and could shatter if people knock on them.”
“Repair costs would be high and I’m wondering how I would manage.
“I’ve received RM5,500 in donations so far, but my car and my husband’s van are also damaged,” she lamented.
Ruzita, who teaches at SK USJ 20, has sought help from counsellors at the Putra Heights Mosque.
“I can’t sleep peacefully and keep getting awakened. I just break down and cry sometimes,” she said.
Ruzita was required to return to teaching but was unsure of her mental state.
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to stand and teach the children. I don’t feel like myself as I’m overwhelmed.
“I should be planning my retirement but here I am, wondering where I’ll find the money for the repairs,” she added.
Ruzita said her 19-year-old son was demoralised following the blast and has been spending more time with his friends at night and her 15-year-old daughter has not returned to school.
At the time she spoke to StarMetro, Ruzita had been trying to find time and energy to update her earlier police report in which she had missed listing down some of the damages.
She said although the police had been kind, she found the process tiring.
Fortunately for Ruzita, she was due to receive a temporary car after the interview.
Sounding somewhat upbeat, she expressed hope of soon being able to get around more easily.
