While April 1st was mostly festive and cheerful for most Malaysians, particularly the Malays who were celebrating the second day of Aidilfitri, the same can’t be said for residents living in the vicinity of Jalan Putra Harmoni 1/3 and 1/4 when a gas pipeline fire broke out that morning, resulting in extensive injuries to nearby residents and damage to properties, including homes and personal vehicles.
To date, approximately 529 residents from 118 families have been relocated to two temporary evacuation centres at Dewan Masjid Putra Heights and Dewan Camelia, Subang Jaya City Council. Additionally, 111 victims required medical attention and are currently in hospital.
Upon finding out about the news of the towering inferno that spread like wildfire on social media platforms such as TikTok and X, DAP representatives sprang into action, swiftly arriving at the vicinity of the blast, initially providing updates to residents and support to those affected while the authorities worked hard to put out the flames.
State Assemblyman for Kota Kemuning, Preakas Sampunathan, who was one of the first to arrive, described the situation on his Facebook as:
“A massive fire has erupted due to a burst gas pipe located in Putra Heights, our constituency. We stand in solidarity with everyone affected and wish our brave Bomba personnel strength and safety as they work tirelessly to contain the fire. A Bomba helicopter is also en route to assist. All residents are urged to stay alert and avoid the area.”
Preakas continues to provide updates on the situation via his Facebook as well as providing immediate help through Kuil Sri Maha Kaliaman, which provided immediate shelter for residents and victims, free eye examinations at Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital for residents who have been affected by the fire and thick smoke, Putra Heights Animal Relief, temporary housing, free medical assessments, as well as organising a major “gotong-royong” to help affected residents.
Fellow State Assemblywoman for Subang Jaya, Michelle Ng Mei Sze, was also at the scene with Preakas, providing food and water for frontliners as well as visiting affected residents at the relief centres. “I am at the site of the fire with YB Preakas. Eight fire departments from across the state, Petronas, ambulances, and the police are on site. The search and rescue mission continues. Supply to the gas pipeline has been turned off. Fire is getting smaller. Please continue to pray for the victims and SAR team,” she said in a Facebook post.
DAP Selangor State Chair and State Assemblyman for Kinrara, Ng Sze Han, expressed sympathy over the tragedy and stated his commitment to assist neighbouring state assemblies, namely Kota Kemuning and Seri Serdang, in their efforts to help the residents in the affected vicinity. Sze Han also visited one of the temporary evacuation shelters to speak and provide support to families. In addition, he announced on behalf of Chinese EV carmaker Chery that they will be lending 50 units of their vehicles for residents who require transportation aid.
Member of Parliament for Puchong, Yeo Bee Yin, also extended immediate support by announcing a cash contribution of RM1,000 per family for victims from Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru and Kampung Tengah — two villages within the Puchong parliamentary constituency that were affected by the fire. Her team, along with local community leaders, had earlier delivered food and basic necessities to victims at nearby relief centres before they were relocated. The RM1,000 cash aid will be distributed to families who experienced total loss, with follow-up arrangements for those who are currently away.
Their swift response and urgency have led many families and victims to promptly receive the attention and care needed after such a devastating ordeal. Let us continue to stand together in solidarity, compassion, and through assistance to help rebuild the lives of those affected by the disaster.
On top of the assistance announced by the Federal Government, DAP Malaysia has taken the initiative to launch a one-week online donation drive for the victims of the fire in Putra Heights, starting immediately and running until 9th April 2025. If you or anyone you know would like to make a difference, please consider donating to DAP Malaysia’s Maybank account at 514178145866 (Reference: Putra Heights). All funds raised will go directly towards supporting the families affected by the fire, and distribution of the funds will begin tomorrow, 4th April 2025. Your generosity can help provide much-needed relief during this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness and support.
