KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 — A year has passed, but the gas explosion tragedy in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, remains etched in the memories of residents.
The incident, which shocked the nation on the second day of Syawal last year, not only robbed the community of the joy of Hari Raya Aidilfitri but also transformed the landscape of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru in an instant following a loud explosion that residents initially mistook for a bomb blast or a plane crash.
A Bernama survey found that although the physical scars of the tragedy remain visible, residents have moved forward with renewed spirit, even as memories of the incident occasionally resurface.
Maahad Tahfiz Vokasional Aman Bistari founder Mohd Asri Yunus, 59, said that while the trauma has not completely faded, he is grateful for the concern and assistance shown by various parties.
“Thanks to God, 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 are able to stand again,” he told Bernama.
Mohd Asri acknowledged that enrolment at the tahfiz centre had been slightly affected due to parents’ safety concerns following the incident.
For married couple Mohamad Nasir Abd Hamid, 70, and Aliyah Ismail, 56, the unexpected tragedy will forever be remembered, especially as their home was destroyed.
Mohamad Nasir, however, expressed gratitude for his new house, fully built by Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB), although it cannot compare to his previous home.
“Everything went smoothly, thank God. At first, there were concerns that the house might not be completed, but the contractor worked very quickly, and the materials used were of high quality,” he said.
Meanwhile, Aliyah became emotional as she recalled the home built on her in-laws’ 0.4-hectare ancestral land.
Although she still feels saddened by the loss of her belongings, acceptance and the assistance she received have been the most effective balm for her grief.
On April 1, 2025, a massive fire broke out at a PETRONAS gas pipeline at 8.10 am. Flames soared more than 30 metres high, with temperatures reaching 1,000 degrees Celsius, destroying 81 houses, partially damaging another 81, and affecting 57 others.
Meanwhile, Petronas Gas Berhad (PGB) has disbursed more than RM2.7 million in cash and medical aid since last year’s incident, while also channelling RM25 million through the Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) to repair homes in Putra Heights and Kampung Tengah.
PGB has also launched the ‘TEMANG’ programme to support mental health in collaboration with Putrajaya Hospital and the Naluri app, while conducting its ‘AnA’ (Awareness and Action) tour to engage communities living near gas pipelines.
