THE condition of the 21-year-old man critically injured in the massive gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, on April 1 is showing signs of improvement, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
Speaking at a press conference after launching the World Physical Activity Day (WOPAD) event in Putrajaya, Dr Dzulkefly provided an encouraging update on the intensive care unit (ICU) patient, who remains on a ventilator in a private hospital.
“I received a report that it’s getting slightly better. Let’s pray for his recovery,” he said. “He is intubated but improving; now on inotropes, which are also showing better response.”
The minister also confirmed that, as of Saturday, a total of 30 victims were still receiving treatment at hospitals—17 in private medical facilities and 13 in hospitals under the Ministry of Health. The young man in ICU is currently the only case in critical condition.
The explosion and fire, caused by a ruptured Petronas gas pipeline, sent flames shooting over 30 metres into the air and generated temperatures in excess of 1,000 degrees Celsius. It took nearly eight hours for emergency responders to fully contain and extinguish the inferno.
The devastation left behind was extensive: 81 homes were completely destroyed with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, while another 81 were partially destroyed. An additional 57 houses suffered some form of fire-related impact, though they were not burned. In total, 218 homes in the affected area were spared.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has said that a full investigation report into the incident is expected to be completed by mid-May.
Ops Mega’ Enters Second Day
Meanwhile, large-scale clean-up efforts under the post-blaze ‘Ops Mega’ operation continued for a second day on Sunday, targeting the most heavily affected areas in Putra Heights and Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru.
Operations are underway across three sectors—A and B covering Taman Putra Harmoni, and Sector C focusing on Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru. Local authorities, municipal councils, and volunteers are working in 12 designated zones to restore the fire-stricken neighbourhoods.
Among the agencies involved are the Sabak Bernam District Council, Klang and Shah Alam city councils, as well as the National Solid Waste Management Department (JPSPN) and the Malaysian Armed Forces. Their tasks include clearing drains and roadways, removing debris, cutting down charred trees, and helping residents clean soot-stained walls and dispose of damaged belongings.
More than 4,000 volunteers from over 20 government agencies, private companies and NGOs have joined the effort, supported by a fleet of 264 vehicles and heavy machinery, including water tankers, street sweepers, backhoes and lifting cranes.
So far, 307 homes have been declared safe for residents to return, with further assessments ongoing as the clean-up progresses.
The inferno, which broke out at approximately 8.10 am on April 1, is among the worst fire-related disasters in recent Malaysian memory, both in terms of scale and structural damage. – April 13, 2025
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