“A gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights displaced 305 residents, destroyed 225 vehicles, and sparked an investigation.“
Kuala Lumpur, 03rd Apr 2025, 12.10pm – A devastating gas pipeline fire erupted in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, on April 1, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate and causing extensive damage to homes and vehicles. The explosion, which occurred at 8:10 AM, sent flames soaring 20 stories into the air, with the blaze visible from kilometers away.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
Firefighters from multiple Selangor districts, including Subang Jaya, Puchong, Shah Alam, and Klang, battled the inferno, successfully extinguishing it by 3:45 PM. More than 325 personnel from 11 agencies participated in the operation.
A total of 305 residents were displaced, and 100 victims received medical treatment. Among them, 12 were critically injured, while 50 suffered moderate injuries and 38 sustained minor wounds. The injured were treated at Putrajaya Hospital, Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Serdang, and Subang Jaya Medical Centre.
Temporary shelters were established at Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple and Masjid Putra Heights for affected residents. Meanwhile, the ELITE Highway, which had been closed between Seafield and Bandar Saujana Putra, has since reopened.
Scale of Damage and Community Impact
The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) reported that 88 buildings were affected, including 78 homes and 10 shophouses, with damage ranging from 10% to 90%. Additionally, 225 vehicles were completely destroyed, while another 174 suffered damage. Power outages were reported in parts of Subang Jaya and Putra Heights, leaving many residents without electricity.
Government and Petronas Announce Compensation
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari visited the disaster site, announcing compensation for affected residents through a collaboration between the federal government, Selangor state government, and Petronas.
Homeowners whose properties were completely destroyed will receive RM5,000 in temporary aid, while those with partially damaged homes will be provided RM2,500. Anwar assured residents of the government’s commitment to their safety and well-being but cautioned that rebuilding efforts could take over a year.
Investigation and Safety Measures
Authorities shut off four main gas valves in Dengkil, Puchong, Batu Tiga, and Meru to prevent further gas leaks and reduce the risk of another explosion. Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed that investigations are ongoing, including allegations that unauthorized excavation work on Petronas reserve land may have triggered the fire.
To secure the area, 35 General Operations Force (GOF) personnel have been deployed, and cleanup operations are expected to take at least 24 hours. The affected zone, spanning 28 hectares and covering Taman Harmoni and Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, has been sealed off.
Residents Remain in Shelters
Authorities have advised displaced residents not to return home for at least 48 hours as structural damage assessments and gas leak inspections continue. While some residents were permitted to retrieve essential belongings under supervision, many remain in temporary shelters, with electricity yet to be restored.
Subang Jaya Mayor Datuk Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim confirmed that the nearby development project had received proper approvals in 2022, including permissions from Petronas and Indah Water Konsortium (IWK). However, officials have yet to determine if excavation work contributed to the fire.
A preliminary report is expected within 72 hours, with authorities urging the public to avoid speculation and report any relevant information to assist the investigation.
