Two months after the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights on April 1, victims are now facing uncertainty as temporary assistance begins to run out. Many are appealing for an extension of support, such as rental homes and vehicles that were initially provided by various parties. With some of these aid arrangements recently expiring, affected families are left in a difficult position as they prepare to return the temporary accommodations and transportation they have relied on since the incident.
Nasir Ab Hamid, 69, a resident of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, shared that his family is currently living in a small rented house located near their original home. They have received rental assistance for a period of three months while waiting for repair work on their damaged house to be completed.
“My house was declared a total loss, with repair costs estimated at RM150,000, but to date, the appointed contractor has yet to begin any work,” Nasir told Bernama when met at the housing area yesterday.
He added that the temporary vehicle provided to him had to be returned last month after the loan period expired.
“For our daily needs, I now rely on my old Kancil, which I’ve been slowly fixing up over time. We’re not asking for anything fancy—just a vehicle reliable enough to get us through our daily routines,” said the father of nine.
Nasir shared that his family is doing their best to move forward with daily life, acknowledging that the repair process will take time since many other homes were also damaged in the incident.
The gas pipeline fire resulted in flames shooting more than 30 metres into the air, with temperatures soaring up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly eight hours before it was fully brought under control. A total of 81 houses were completely destroyed, sustaining over 40% structural damage. Another 81 homes suffered partial damage, while 57 others were impacted by the incident without catching fire.
As affected families like Nasir’s continue to navigate the aftermath of the devastating fire, the need for extended support remains critical. With many still waiting for repairs to begin and temporary aid running out, their situation underscores the importance of sustained assistance and coordinated recovery efforts. As the community works to rebuild, timely action and continued empathy from relevant authorities and organisations will be key in helping these residents restore a sense of normalcy in their lives.
Source: Free Malaysia Today
