Putra Heights residents urge better communication and seek clarity on home return, aid, and safety.

PETALING JAYA, April 3 — Residents of Putra Heights affected by the recent gas pipeline fire are calling for clearer and more effective on-the-ground communication.

Many claim they are still uncertain about when they can return home and what support is available for those who have lost their property.

Aziz Jidon, a 70-year-old retiree from the affected Taman Putra Harmoni neighborhood, expressed frustration over the lack of information.

"What is the government’s plan for us? We’re left in the dark, asking each other questions. We don’t know what’s next," he said when met at the housing estate.

He also urged authorities to prioritize assistance for those severely affected, including support for temporary housing and dealing with insurance claims.

"Who will bear these costs?" he questioned, emphasizing the need for a relocation plan for those without alternative housing options.

Overcrowding at the Relief Centre

Some residents noted that the temporary relief center at Masjid Putra Heights is unable to accommodate all displaced victims.

Earlier today, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced that 85 house owners would be allowed to return home starting tonight, pending safety clearance from utility companies like Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).

However, a group of residents is seeking clarification on which houses have been deemed safe. They are also requesting updated certificates of completion and compliance to ensure their homes meet safety standards.

Rebecca Ng, whose house and vehicles were damaged, said residents are struggling to find a reliable source for updates.

"We don’t know who to contact for the latest information. We even had to create our own chat group to share updates from the authorities," she said when met at the site.

Her house was scheduled for assessment today, but the inspection was postponed to tomorrow.

Another resident, K. Caroline, shared a similar experience, stating that she was unaware of the inspection schedule for her home.

"We only found out about the checks when we were informed by the press," she said.

Confusion Over Electrical Safety Checks

During a press conference yesterday, police stated that Fire and Rescue Department officers, along with TNB personnel, would accompany residents to inspect wiring integrity before restoring electricity.

However, Caroline said she was told to conduct the checks herself.

"We were advised not to turn on our distribution board if it appeared damaged. If it trips, we shouldn’t turn it back on," she explained.

Calls for a More Systematic Response

A resident from Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru highlighted the need for a more organized approach to identifying fire victims.

"There is confusion over who qualifies as a victim at the relief center. Also, different agencies are separately collecting the same data, making residents fill out multiple forms. This should be streamlined," he said.

He also suggested improving the parking system at the relief center to accommodate those who need to travel for medical or other urgent matters.

Impact of the Incident

Putra Heights residents were displaced after a gas pipeline leak led to a fire and explosion on April 1.

The fire, which ignited at 8:10 am, was fully extinguished by 3:45 pm. However, 88 residential and commercial units sustained damage ranging from 10% to 90%.