Aid for victims of the Putra Heights fire
The start of April saw Hari Raya celebrations go into full swing. But the festive cheer came to an abrupt halt for hundreds of Putra Heights residents when a harrowing gas pipeline fire erupted. So far, several immediate forms of aid and assistance from various sources have been coming through for victims of the Putra Heights fire disaster.
We rounded them up below, if you need support or know someone to refer to help.
What happened in the Putra Heights fire?
At 8.10am on 1st April, a gas pipeline fire burst into sky-high flames in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, causing extensive damage to the surrounding residential area. The fireball, which occurred at Jalan Putra Harmoni, resulted in substantial harm to both property and the local community. It was reported to have blazed for nearly seven hours before it was extinguished around 3.30pm.
Petronas has since confirmed in a statement that the fire occurred at a PETRONAS Gas Berhad (PGB) main pipeline.
A total of 237 houses in the area were damaged or destroyed by the blaze, which reportedly hit hazardous temperatures of over 1,000° Celsius and reached 30 feet in the air. Of the reported 529 victims directly impacted by the fire, 145 individuals sustained injuries such as second- and third-degree burns, while 399 vehicles were also damaged in the incident.
Following the extinguishing of the fire, a comprehensive investigation and security checks have been initiated involving 20 different agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Police, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, and Tenaga Nasional Berhad.
1. Free eye care from Tun Hussein Onn Eye Hospital
Image credit: Michelle Ng Mei Sze 黄美诗 via Facebook
Those who find themselves with irritated eyes from the smoke and fumes of the blaze can turn to Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital (THONEH) in Petaling Jaya, which is offering free eye care services for victims. The 24-hour hospital is encouraging all individuals afflicted by the following to come by:
- Redness or irritation of the eyes
- Burning sensation or pain
- Blurry vision or excessive tearing
- Any discomfort from smoke or debris
2. Support for pet owners
Image credit: SPCA Selangor, Malaysia via Facebook
To assist afflicted pet owners with care, the Persatuan Haiwan Malaysia (Malaysia Animal Association) shared on Facebook that they’ll be offering free pet boarding and transportation services for 7 days at the Shelter Galeri Animal Malaysia, which is licensed by the Department of Veterinary Services.
According to a Facebook post shared, they are accepting cats, birds, foxes, hamsters, and rabbits from 2nd April to 8th May 2025.
Likewise, SPCA Selangor has stepped up with an Animal Relief Post from 2nd April onward, which opens at 11am at an area behind the temporary evacuation centre in Putra Heights, at Dewan Camelia. They’ll provide the following services on-site for free to affected pet owners:
- Emergency pet food supplies
- Basic first-aid support for pets
- General assistance and guidance for pet owners affected by the disaster
Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia (SAFM) is also collaborating with four veterinary clinics in the area to provide free first aid treatment and dog and cat food for pet owners from 2nd-4th April:
- Ministre’ of Pets Veterinary Clinic: 10am-7pm, 010-220 7387
- Subangvet SS14: 10am-10.30pm, 011-613 3361
- Putra Heights Veterinary Clinic: 10am-6pm, 018-213 4037
- Faith Veterinary Clinic & Surgery: 10am-6.30pm, 019-662 2910
In a Facebook post shared on 2nd April, they are also encouraging residents in the area to share any information on animals needing help through their hotline: 013-7066 770.
3. Cars for temporary usage from Chery Malaysia
As many residents are now without vehicles due to destruction from the blaze, electric-vehicle maker Chery is providing 50 cars for temporary 1-month usage at no cost, as reported by Bernama.
The initiative was announced by Selangor Executive Councillor Ng Sze Han. Families in need of assistance to get to work or send their children to school can make an application at the Selangor exco’s office or the office of Kota Kemuning assemblyman Preakas Sampunathan. Applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Government aid & assistance for homeowners and victims
To financially support victims of the fire at this time, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced an aid plan that includes RM5,000 relief for homeowners whose properties were destroyed by the blaze and RM2,500 for houses that have sustained partial damage.
Petronas has also stated that they’ll be working closely with State and Federal agencies to provide victims with relief and assistance.
Aid for teachers, students, and MOE staff
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will also assist staff, teachers, and students affected by the incident with RM1,000 in aid. This comes as 107 teachers and students were identified as victims of the fire, with four receiving treatment in hospitals. The aid will be distributed once information has been collected and verified by the Selangor Education Department (JPNS).
Personal document replacement
The National Registration Department (NRD) has set up a temporary counter at Masjid Putra Heights to help victims replace personal documents, such as identity cards, that perished in the fire.
Flexible working arrangements
In a report from Bernama, the Human Resources Ministry has encouraged any affected workers who are unable to report to the office for work to apply for Flexible Working Arrangements (FWA) with their employers. The ministry has likewise called upon employers to approve their applications based on the considerations and grant paid compassionate leaves where they can.
FWA, which allows for adjustments to working hours, workdays, or workplace location, is provided under Section 60p of the Employment Act 1955.
Perkeso claims
Perkeso contributors affected by the fire are encouraged to check their eligibility for claims under the agency’s social protection schemes. This will include claims filed under Temporary Disablement Benefit and Permanent Disablement Benefit, which will be subject to the severity of the injury.
5. Insurance claims
Victims filing insurance claims for damages from the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire will see the process expedited, as announced by the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM). Eligible policyholders will receive fast-tracked procedures for motor, personal accident, retail fire, homeowners, or householders.
Some insurance companies are also offering additional support. Etiqa announced that they’ll be covering claims for eligible customers without requiring a police report like they usually do for claims processing. Likewise, CIMB Bank Bhd and CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd are also simplifying the process for claims by only requiring basic information for relief assistance plans.
Victims are encouraged to contact their insurers as soon as possible.
6. Replacement waivers and repayment delayments
To accommodate affected victims, banks are also offering several helpful aids. CIMB is waiving replacement charges for credit/debit cards, passbooks, and bankers’ cheques, while Bank Islam Malaysia is letting their House, Personal, and Vehicle Financing-i customers defer monthly payments for up to six months.
Ambank is also offering repayment options for affected eligible customers, on a case-to-case basis, as shared on their Facebook.
Aid and assistance for those affected by the Putra Heights fire
The tragedy in Putra Heights which affected hundreds of residents, will certainly take time to overcome. We hope that these aids and assistance can be of some help to those affected for the time being, as they recover and rebuild their homes.
Cover image adapted from: The Star, SPCA Selangor, Malaysia via Facebook