KUALA LUMPUR: A Putra Heights resident says he was always wary of excavation works he saw in his neighbourhood just days before the major gas pipeline blaze occurred.
Jasbinder Singh, 53, a resident of Putra Avenue in Putra Heights and a health and safety practitioner, described the incident as a "chemical disaster".
"I saw the fire from my balcony and immediately knew it was not a house on fire. It was too large," he told Bernama on Saturday (April 5).
Jasbinder, who has lived in the area for over 15 years, said he and his wife had often discussed the digging carried out near the pipeline but assumed contractors were authorised and fully aware of the risks.
He recalled feeling intense heat from the fire that day, describing it as "a strong ray, like sitting under the sun on a scorching day."
Although his house was about 300m from the site, he feared it could still catch fire.
He said he quickly evacuated the house with his wife and daughter and took shelter at a nearby LRT station.
"I didn't pick up anything. I just closed all windows, removed the curtains and ran," he said.
Jasbinder monitored his house remotely using closed-circuit television (CCTV) and returned six hours later to collect some essential documents.
He also called on Petronas to directly engage residents living along the pipeline to explain safety protocols and provide reassurance.
"If the pipeline cannot be relocated, then give us peace of mind. We need to know what went wrong and how it can be prevented in future," he said.
He also said it was critical to have well-defined evacuation plans.
Jasbinder's concerns reflect those of many residents still reeling from the aftermath of the disaster, which has disrupted the lives of the Putra Heights community.
The fire at the Petronas gas pipeline at 8.10am on Tuesday (April 1), saw flames soaring over 30m high with temperatures reaching 1,000°C and took nearly eight hours to be extinguished.
A total of 87 houses were declared as "total losses" while 148 other affected houses that sustained damage are deemed safe and can be re-occupied after repairs.
More than 300 people were displaced and are being sheltered at two relief centres.
Thankfully, no fatalities were reported. – Bernama
