A TOTAL of 301 homes have been deemed structurally safe and cleared for reoccupation following the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Selangor, police confirmed on Thursday.
The decision was made after comprehensive inspections conducted by the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM), the Public Works Department (JKR), and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).
Of the 437 homes initially impacted by the blaze, nearly 70 per cent have now been officially declared habitable.
Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said that as part of the assessment process, JKR employed advanced techniques such as the Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test, a key component of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), to ensure the integrity of the buildings.
“This method was used to validate the structural soundness of the houses identified as safe, and the results confirmed the initial assessments made on the 301 properties,” he said during a press conference at the Disaster Site Control Post (PKTK) in Putra Heights.
Out of the 301 homes now deemed safe, 190 families have already returned to their residences, either to resume daily life or begin repair works on minor damages.
“The situation is progressively stabilising. Residents are coming back and taking necessary steps to restore their homes,” Hussein noted.
When asked about residents' concerns over the absence of a Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC), typically issued by JBPM for newly constructed buildings, Hussein clarified that in this context, the advanced NDT techniques used were sufficient to ensure safety.
“At this point, we do not see a necessity for a CCC. The Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test provides adequate confirmation regarding the structural condition of the homes,” he said.
However, he assured residents that authorities will remain accessible to address any concerns. A 24-hour complaint counter has been set up in the area to allow homeowners to report any emerging damage or issues related to their properties.
To ensure safety and order in the affected neighbourhood, Hussein said a total of 124 police officers have been deployed to maintain a 24-hour security perimeter around the disaster zone.
“This is a proactive measure to safeguard property and maintain public peace in the recovery phase,” he explained.
The gas pipeline fire, which caused widespread alarm and temporary displacement of hundreds of residents, is now transitioning into its post-disaster recovery stage.
Authorities have assured the public that all measures are being taken to ensure structural safety, security, and transparency throughout the process. – April 10, 2025
