GAS PIPELINE FIRE: RESIDENTS LEFT HELPLESS AS HOMES DESTROYED

By Abdul Rahman Fahmi Abdul Aziz & Nur Syahidayah Mahasan

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- Residents of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru have expressed sorrow and acceptance after being informed that their homes were reduced to rubble by the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, which occurred early Tuesday morning.

Suhaimi Burham, 46, whose house was about 60 metres from the fire's site, said only the deteriorating walls of his home remain, and ashes cover the ground.

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"On my way home today, I recited selawat repeatedly, but when I arrived, I couldn't hold back my tears. We left with nothing but the clothes on our backs. There's nothing left to salvage. Everything has turned to ash," he told Bernama, fighting back emotion.

A Bernama visit to Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru revealed that residents affected by the fire could enter their homes, escorted by authorities to assess the damage and recover what little could be saved.

Suhaimi, who injured his foot while fleeing the fire, said that essential documents stored inside his home were also destroyed.

His two cars and four motorcycles were reduced to charred remains, including a car he had recently purchased.

"I hope the authorities can help us rebuild our homes, as we've lost everything. If anyone can help, Alhamdulillah," he said.

Fellow resident Mifzal Shahdanish Abdul Halim, 21, said that although his family's home had not been severely damaged, an unpleasant odour still lingers, almost the same as what he and his family inhaled while fleeing their home during Tuesday's inferno. 

Nearby, on Jalan 1/3C, Putra Harmoni, Syahril Abu, 52, was heartbroken to see the damage to his home of 14 years. The ceiling had turned black, and the house and furniture reeked of smoke.

He said the windows were cracked, and the plastic water pipes at the front of the house had melted.

"At the time of the fire, my wife and I were at home. We only managed to save one car, and the other was left behind and burned by the flames, with about 50 per cent of the damage to the front," he said.

Syahril added that he and his family were now living in temporary accommodation while repairs were being made.

Private sector employee Ng Kai Wen, 35, also expressed distress as he saw his home for the first time since the fire.

"My house is in much worse condition than those on Jalan 1/3A and 1/3B. The roof has holes, and plastic items in the back of the house have melted," he lamented.

However, Ng counted himself lucky as his company had provided temporary housing for his family until their home could be repaired.

-- BERNAMA