KUALA LUMPUR: A year has passed, but the gas explosion tragedy in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, remains etched in the memory of the residents.
The incident that shocked the nation on the 2nd of Syawal last year not only robbed the joy of Hari Raya Aidilfitri from that community but also changed the landscape of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru in an instant due to a loud explosion that residents initially thought was a bomb blast or a plane crash.
A Bernama survey found that although the physical scars of the tragedy remain visible, the residents have moved forward with renewed spirit, even as the shadows of the incident occasionally "reappear" in their minds.
Maahad Tahfiz Vokasional Aman Bistari founder Mohd Asri Yunus, 59, said that although the trauma has not completely gone, he is grateful for the concern and assistance shown by various parties.
"Alhamdulillah, I am very grateful to the Prime Minister's Department, PETRONAS, the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), and most importantly, the local community, friends, and mosque authorities who extended a helping hand. Thanks to their support, we can stand again," he told Bernama.
Mohd Asri acknowledged that student enrolment at the tahfiz centre has been slightly affected due to parents' safety concerns since the incident.
For the married couple Mohamad Nasir Abd Hamid, 70, and Aliyah Ismail, 56, the unexpected incident will be remembered forever, especially since their house was destroyed.
Mohamad Nasir, however, is grateful because he now has a new home fully built by Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB), although it cannot be compared to his previous home.
"Everything went smoothly, thank God. At first, there was a worry that this house might not be completed, but the contractor's work was very fast, and the building materials used were also of high quality," he said.
Meanwhile, Aliyah could not hide her emotions when she remembered the house built on her in-laws' ancestral land of 0.4 hectares.
Although she feels sad every time she remembers the loss of her belongings in the blink of an eye, accepting things and the help she received became the most effective balm for her wounds.
On April 1, 2025, a massive fire broke out at a PETRONAS gas pipeline at 8.10 am. Flames reached heights of over 30 metres, with temperatures soaring to 1,000 degrees Celsius, resulting in 81 houses destroyed, 81 partially destroyed, and 57 others affected.
Meanwhile, Petronas Gas Berhad (PGB) has disbursed over RM 2.7 million in cash and medical aid since last year's incident, and has also channelled RM25mil through the Finance Ministry and the Housing and Local Government Ministry to repair homes in Putra Heights and Kampung Tengah.
PGB has launched the 'TENANG' programme to support mental health in collaboration with Putrajaya Hospital and the 'Naluri' app, while also conducting the 'AnA' (Awareness and Action) tour to engage communities living near gas pipelines. – Bernama
