Selangor: Police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan has firmly dismissed allegations that authorities are concealing reports of fatalities following the recent gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Selangor, which occurred on April 1.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Hussein emphasized that there is no basis for the police to hide such information, ensuring that all investigations are conducted transparently in collaboration with relevant agencies. He urged any family members or friends with information about fatalities to come forward and file a police report, stressing the importance of not spreading baseless allegations that could incite public anxiety.

He assured that police and government agencies maintain transparency, with each agency documenting and investigating independently to avoid any concealment. Addressing concerns of property theft, he stated that no such reports have been received, and 120 personnel, including the Civil Defence Force, are deployed to secure the affected areas.

He urged those who have lost items to report to the nearest police station or the mobile police station at the temporary relief center. The police have received 675 reports of property damage and have recorded statements from 186 witnesses, including security guards.

In terms of property safety assessments, 270 out of 437 affected homes have been declared safe for reoccupation, following evaluations by the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, Public Works Department, and Tenaga Nasional Berhad. Vehicle assessments revealed that out of 571 vehicles, 88 sustained major damage, 332 had minor damage, and 151 were unaffected.

The Petronas gas pipeline fire, which started at 8:10 am on April 1, resulted in a towering blaze of over 30 meters and temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius. It took nearly eight hours to extinguish the fire. The incident led to 81 houses being completely destroyed, another 81 partially damaged, 57 affected but not burned, and 218 houses left unharmed.