KUALA LUMPUR: The year 2025 will be remembered for a string of heartbreaking tragedies that shook the nation, claiming lives and exposing gaps in safety, preparedness, and public awareness.
From devastating fires to fatal road accidents and a harrowing mountain rescue, each incident left a profound impact, reminding Malaysians that safety is not merely a guideline but a vital safeguard for every life.
One of the most shocking events occurred on the second day of Aidilfitri, when a gas pipeline fire erupted in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, shattering the festive mood and leaving residents of Taman Putra Harmoni, Kampung Tengah, Kampung Kenangan and Kampung Sungai Baru traumatised.
The tragedy on April 1 saw 81 houses completely destroyed, another 81 partially damaged, 57 affected but not burnt, while 218 homes remained unaffected.
The Petronas gas pipeline fire, which broke out at 8.10 am, sent flames soaring over 30 metres high, with temperatures reaching 1,000 degrees Celsius, forcing firefighters to battle the blaze for nearly eight hours before it was fully extinguished.
On June 30, then Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed, following a detailed investigation, that there was no element of mischief, sabotage, or negligence in the explosion.
A few weeks later, on May 13, tragedy struck again when a gravel-laden lorry collided with a truck carrying 18 members of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) along Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam in Teluk Intan, Perak.
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The 8.50am crash, caused by poor maintenance of the heavy vehicle, claimed the lives of nine FRU personnel and injured nine others. They were on their way back to Ipoh after completing duties under Ops Chariot.
In less than a month, the nation was plunged into grief once more when 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students perished in the deadliest road accident in a decade.
The bus, carrying 42 students aged 21 to 23, crashed on the East-West Highway near Tasik Banding, Gerik, at 1.10 am on June 9 while travelling from Jertih, Terengganu, to Tanjung Malim, Perak.
A preliminary report released by the Transport Ministry’s Special Task Force on July 18 revealed that the bus had been travelling at more than twice the speed limit, contributing to the fatal impact.
Adding to the year’s sorrow, the climbing community was shaken by the death of hiker Mustaqqeem Mansoor, 34, who was found on Gunung Liang near Tanjong Malim after going missing during a Trans Slim expedition.
He had set out on Oct 10 with 10 friends from Bukit Fraser, Pahang, but fell behind due to leg pain.
The late Mustaqqeem was last seen at 10.30 pm on Oct 14, prompting a search operation involving 43 personnel from multiple agencies after a report was lodged by his wife on Oct 16.
Mustaqqeem was found around 3.30 pm at the summit of Gunung Liang, with slight nasal bleeding believed to be caused by hypothermia. His body was retrieved by the Fire and Rescue Department’s Special Air Unit.
These heart‐wrenching events offer a sobering lesson that safety must never be taken for granted, and empathy must remain at the centre of every effort to protect lives.
As 2025 draws to a close, each tragedy stands as a reminder of the precious human stories behind every statistic, urging the nation to uphold a stronger culture of vigilance, responsibility and care. - Bernama
