Subang Jaya: The safety of a liveable home is a higher priority than legal action for residents in the aftermath of the gas pipeline fire on April 1, according to the deputy chairman of the Putra Harmoni Residents Association, Francis Koh. He emphasized that the focus for residents less affected by the incident in Putra Heights is on conducting wiring inspections and safety checks in their homes, which commenced at 9.30 am today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Koh stated that the investigation has been handed over to the authorities while the residents’ phased re-entry is being managed following safety inspections. He remarked that “legal action is premature” and highlighted the importance of addressing the welfare issues of residents first. This statement was made at the Incident Control Post set up in Subang Jaya.

Peter Lau, the secretary of the Putra Harmoni Residents Association, expressed the need for the residents’ association to be included in every meeting held by enforcement agencies. Lau pointed out the residents’ anxiety due to a lack of information and urged for cooperation, citing the association’s possession of comprehensive resident data, including details about their pets. He assured readiness to assist residents facing difficulties.

Earlier reports from Bernama indicated that 115 homeowners, whose properties were less affected by the fire, were allowed phased access to their homes starting today. Petaling District Officer Huzunul Khaidil Mohammed mentioned that the first phase involved 41 homeowners on Jalan 1/3A, who began inspecting wiring at 9.30 am to prevent short-circuits before the restoration of electricity supply.

The gas pipeline fire, which erupted on Tuesday morning at 8.10 am and extinguished by 3.45 pm, resulted in the evacuation of 364 victims from 74 families. These individuals were accommodated at temporary evacuation centers, including the Putra Heights Mosque and the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) Camelia multipurpose hall. The incident left more than 230 houses and 10 shophouses affected, with over 200 vehicles damaged. The fire created a landscape resembling a war zone, dominated by blackened houses around a 30-foot deep crater where the fire had erupted.