PUTRA HEIGHTS, Selangor – At the Putra Heights Masjid, the atmosphere was one of calm and quiet resilience. Rows of tents were set up for the displaced residents, some lying down in exhaustion while others sat in small groups, speaking in hushed tones.
The relief efforts have been well-coordinated, with a steady flow of donations including baby wipes, nappies, bottled water, and secondhand clothes. As the NGOs distributed aid, residents of Putra Heights recall their narrow escapes from a massive 30-meter high, 1,000-degrees Celcius inferno on Tuesday which destroyed their homes and cars.
Sheila and Other Residents Recount the Harrowing Escape
In Real Life spoke to Sheila, Hanip, and Yusop, part of a group of people whose houses were completed destroyed by the fire. Sheila, who was at her home in Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, Puchong, initially mistook the deafening explosion for a plane crash.
“I heard a loud noise like a jet engine. There was a rumbling in the ground, to the point that the windows were shaking. I looked out the window and saw a huge fire in the reflection of my neighbor’s window. I immediately grabbed my phone and keys and ran out, taking nothing else,” she recalled.
Another resident, who works as a safety officer, described how he kept his composure amid the chaos. “People were running around like headless chickens, but the safest thing to do was to stay put and observe which houses were burning. I led my neighbors to an area without a gas pipeline beneath it in case of further leaks,” he said.
Samuel, another resident, described the morning as “full of panic.” His wife added, “We may have lost everything, but we feel lucky that we’re alive.”
For many, this is not the first time they have lost everything. Some of the victims had also been affected by the 2021 floods. Now, they find themselves starting over yet again.
The Devastating Aftermath: Homes and Vehicles Reduced to Ash
The extent of the destruction is almost unfathomable. Over 235 premises were affected by the fire, with flames reaching over 30 meters high. The heat soared to a staggering 1,000 degrees Celsius, hot enough to melt windscreen glass and aluminum roofs.
“You can see the extent of the damage. The car is completely destroyed—the tires burnt to a crisp, the windscreen melted away,” said Hanip. Inside homes, the destruction is just as severe. Roofs have been burnt off, exposing the open sky. Clothes and furniture are charred, and appliances like fans and televisions are nothing more than melted remnants.
One man, Mohd Bin Risal Yusop, lost three cars and his house. “When I came back to my house, my car had melted. It’ll take me more than 20 years to recover from this,” he estimated. Others, like Samuel, were fortunate to escape with their lives but lost all their belongings. In total, the damages amount to tens of thousands of ringgit per affected household.
Government Assistance and Promises of Aid
The authorities have stepped in to provide immediate relief. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced financial aid of RM5,000 for homeowners whose properties were completely destroyed, and RM2,500 for those with partially damaged homes. He assured the victims that the federal and Selangor governments, along with Petronas, would take full responsibility for restoring the affected areas.
Meanwhile, the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) has advised affected individuals with existing loans to reach out to their respective banks for financial assistance. Several hotels have also opened their doors to those without homes, offering spare rooms to the displaced.
Authorities are investigating whether the fire was caused by unauthorized digging on Petronas reserve land. In the meantime, safety assessments are being conducted before some residents can return home. Those whose homes remain relatively undamaged are expected to return today.
Finding Hope Amidst Despair
Despite the enormous losses, there is a shared sense of gratitude among the survivors. Many spoke of how their most valuable possessions—their families—remained safe. “We lost everything, but we still have each other,” one resident said. Another added, “Thank Allah for keeping our children unharmed.”
At the relief center, the children’s laughter provides a stark contrast to the devastation just miles away. They run around, playing, blissfully unaware of the gravity of the situation. In their innocence, the parents see hope—a reminder that even in the face of loss, life goes on.
Bank account number: 7082-20-3005
Bank account owner name: SHOUFFRI BIN MOHD ISA
Bank name: OCBC BANK
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