Getting out safe: Datuk Dr Ken Foo from the Shah Alam Volunteer Fire Brigade bringing two pet dogs to safety after the fire in Putra Heights. — Bernama
SUBANG JAYA: Residents raced to save their pets from the devastating inferno that scorched nearby houses after the gas pipeline explosion at Putra Heights in Subang Jaya.
Bazruddin Sapar Ali and his wife Yap Bee Pooi, both in their 50s, were expecting to have a quiet second day of Hari Raya in Batu Pahat, Johor, before receiving distressing news from their neighbours that their house was among those affected by the blaze.
Their first thought? Their beloved cat.
Without hesitation, they jumped into their car and drove straight back to Selangor.
“We left right away at 9am and rushed home to save our cat,” said Bazruddin when met in Putra Heights yesterday.
Fur family first: Yap Bee Pooi holding her beloved cat after rushing back to Putra Heights from Batu Pahat, Johor.
Relief washed over the couple when they found their beloved feline safe, sitting inside a cage.
However, not everything was safe as Bazruddin’s Honda RS motorcycle, valued at RM5,000, was melted by the heat.
He also said he was unsure about the condition of his house, as he was not allowed to enter it.
Many residents who were injured were also seen cradling their beloved pets at a makeshift shelter at the Sri Maha Kaliaman Temple in Putra Heights.
“I’m just glad I managed to save my dog, two cats and hamsters at home. They’re my family,” said a woman who wished to be known only as Chan.
Aqiel Najmie and his sister Aina Natasya comforting their family cat following the blaze at Putra Heights. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
Another pet owner who was affected by the disaster, Aqiel Najmie Azhar, was grateful that he could get not just his mother to safety but the family cat too.
The 24-year-old man said he was still asleep when the explosion happened, and his mum woke him up shortly after that.
“I came out of the room and saw everyone running out of their houses.
“In a panic, I rushed to get my mum to safety,” said Aqiel Najmie, who lived several rows from where the fire broke out, with his mum and his sister.
“The heat was extremely strong and we felt it right after stepping out of the house,” said the film crew member.
After a 10-minute scramble, Aqiel Najmie got his mother to safety but immediately turned back to get the family cat.
“She was waiting right at the door. I had to calm her down.
“Thankfully, everyone from our household, including our cat, is safe,” said Aqiel Najmie when met at the scene.
His sister, Aina Natasya Azhar, 28, was on her way home when she got a call from her mother.
“She told me the housing area was on fire and we could see the flames even from the highway.
“What a relief that everyone is safe. We were supposed to head to Perak but we don’t think that’s possible now,” said the customer service executive.
