PUTRA HEIGHTS GAS EXPLOSION VICTIMS STILL TRAUMATISED, TRIGGERED BY FIREWORKS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- Today marks 14 days since the gas pipeline explosion and fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, which shocked the nation on the second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. 

Yet, many affected residents remain traumatised by the catastrophe, with some considering relocating to other areas.

Chen Ka Kim, 63, said the blaze that completely destroyed his home of eight years in Taman Putra Harmoni has left his family deeply traumatised, with the sound of fireworks or firecrackers triggering distressing memories of the explosion.

"On the second day after the incident, I stayed at my sister's house. We were startled when we heard fireworks, as it reminded us of the fire," he told reporters at the media centre near the site in Putra Heights today.

"I'm thinking of relocating, but a decision will only be made once repairs to our house here are completed," he told Bernama.

Recounting the events of that day, retired Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) personnel Chen Ka Kim said he was at home with his wife and two children, aged 23 and 25. 

“We fled with nothing but the clothes on our backs. I only managed to grab my mobile phone. Thankfully, none of us were injured, though I suffered some pain in my lower back due to the intense heat,” said Chen, who is now temporarily staying at a friend’s home in Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya.

He expressed hope that the government would deliver on its promised assistance soon and extended his gratitude to the Royal Malaysia Police and Fire and Rescue Department for their swift action in rescuing victims during the incident.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Armed Forces Chinese Veterans Association (MACVA) chairman Datuk Lee Kwang Lock said two of its members were affected by the blaze. 

“We have extended cash aid from the association’s fund to help both members purchase necessities,” he said.

He said Steven Liew, 67, a retired Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) veteran, also incurred damages when 20 percent of his house in Taman Putra Harmoni was destroyed.

The gas pipeline explosion and fire, which broke out at 8.10 am on April 1, saw flames rising over 30 metres high, with temperatures reaching up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. It took nearly eight hours to fully extinguish the blaze.

-- BERNAMA