SHAH ALAM, March 11 — The Petaling District Disaster Management Committee has carried out several simulation exercises to enhance preparedness for emergency incidents following the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights last year.
Petaling District Officer Huzunul Khaidil Mohamed said the exercises involved various frontline agencies and focused on improving standard operating procedures (SOPs) as well as regular monitoring of high-risk areas.
“This step is to ensure that preparedness remains at an optimum level. Among the simulation exercises conducted were scenarios involving a toxic gas attack at the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport as well as a fire at a petrol station in Section 27.
“The committee also carried out a large-scale resident evacuation exercise in Subang Jaya’s SS19 area, in addition to a simulation involving the kidnapping of a foreign VIP delegation,” he said.
Huzunul was speaking at the fast-breaking event with the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Ahaj with the people and the presentation of Hari Raya Aidilfitri contributions at Masjid Tengku Ampuan Jemaah in Bukit Jelutong yesterday evening.
He added that the facilities in temporary relief centres (PPS) were also upgraded throughout last year, including the provision of prayer spaces, sanitation systems, electricity supply, accommodation areas, and special facilities for senior citizens, children, and disabled persons.
These measures were taken to ensure the comfort and welfare of disaster victims while they are housed at the PPS.
In his speech, Huzunul thanked all parties involved on behalf of the victims of the Putra Heights incident for managing the disaster caused by the explosion.
“All agencies worked day and night tirelessly to ensure the welfare of the victims was safeguarded, the safety of residents and property was protected, and the affected areas were restored throughout the rescue operations and recovery phase.
“Various parties also showed concern by providing assistance like financial aid, food, clothing, school preparations, transportation, healthcare, and help to repair affected homes,” he said.
The explosion on April 1, 2025, resulted in 81 houses being completely destroyed with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, while another 81 houses were partially destroyed, and 57 units were affected but did not catch fire.
Following the incident, Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari announced an allocation of RM2.19 million for the first phase of house rental assistance for 365 heads of household, with each family receiving RM2,000 per month.
The fund was channelled to 456 families, with each family receiving RM6,000 for a three-month period in stages.
The state government also approved a second phase of rental assistance covering July to September involving 144 heads of household, with a total payment of RM864,000.
For the third phase, assistance involved 123 heads of household with a total allocation of RM738,000.
