GAS PIPELINE FIRE: HOUSE OWNERS RETURN HOME FOR INVENTORY INSPECTION

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) --Today, the owners of 115 houses affected by the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights were allowed to enter their residences for inspection, including checks on electrical wiring.

It was carried out in phases, beginning with 41 homeowners on Jalan 1/3A, who were allowed to enter from 9.30 am. The second and third phases will follow accordingly.

The residents entered their homes accompanied by officers from security agencies, as well as from Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), who will assist in coordinating the inspection process.

Petaling District Officer Huzunul Khaidil Mohammed said the inventory inspection is crucial to ensure the homes are safe before residents are allowed to return to their houses.

Today, the authorities will also assess the structural integrity of two more Petronas gas pipelines to determine whether they remain in good condition.

As of 8 am today, 377 victims from 98 families are still at two relief centres (PPS) with 311 of them, involving 84 families, at the Putra Heights Mosque Hall, while the remaining are at the Subang Jaya City Council Multipurpose Hall (Camelia Hall).

Meanwhile, the number of victims being treated remains the same as yesterday, with 31 of them at public hospitals in Putrajaya, Serdang, Klang and Kuala Lumpur, while 33 others are receiving treatment at private hospitals. No deaths have been reported.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah were among the dignitaries who visited the victims at the PPS at the Putra Heights Mosque.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke visited a mobile counter set up by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) at the PPS.

The counter will open until tomorrow to facilitate the replacement of documents issued by the department, like driving licence and motor vehicle licence, which the victims lost in the fire.

According to Loke, a used car company, Carro, had agreed to contribute 30 cars for the temporary use of the affected victims.

The massive fire, which broke out at 8.10 am, caused significant damage, creating a 32-foot deep crater measuring about 70x80 feet in size.

The intense heat destroyed nearby residential properties, including vehicles, within a 500-meter radius of the incident.

-- BERNAMA