Putra Heights residents demand re-investigation after gas blast classified NFA

SUBANG JAYA – Residents affected by the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights on April 1 have voiced their disappointment after the incident was classified as "No Further Action" (NFA).

Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru Residents Welfare Organisation Secretary Mohd Badly Nordin said the residents were urging for the investigation findings to be reviewed and for an independent investigator to be appointed to ensure transparency.

Badly next to his house, now under reconstruction.

“We are disappointed because this decision not only raises further doubts about the transparency of the investigation but also denies the victims their right to proper justice.

“We are demanding a review of the investigation findings and the appointment of an independent investigator.

"Victims who were injured, suffered losses, property damage and lifelong trauma deserve clarity about the true cause and those who should be held accountable for this tragedy.

“We also request an explanation from the state government, as the main body managing this disaster, to provide detailed clarification on how the home repair assistance was distributed, to avoid unfairness between residential areas and villages," he said on Wednesday.

The gas pipeline explosion destroyed 81 homes with more than 40 per cent structural damage.

Another 81 homes were partially damaged, 57 were affected but not burned, while 218 homes, including those in Kampung Tengah, Puchong, remained untouched.

On Tuesday, Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan stated that the explosion incident in Putra Heights was classified as No Further Action (NFA), as investigations revealed no elements of crime or sabotage.

Badly said his organisation would continue to fight for the rights and welfare of the residents.

This includes urging authorities to disclose the full findings of the technical and forensic investigations.

“Legal protection should be provided to witnesses and victims.

"There should also be an open dialogue between the disaster management authorities and relevant organisations.

“We call on the public, elected representatives and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to stand in solidarity with us and the victims," he said.

Meanwhile, a resident of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, Mohd Saiful Bahri, 45, expressed concern that a similar incident could happen again in the future.

He said the findings regarding the cause of the incident were hard to accept, especially since the trauma still lingers among the residents.

“Who wouldn’t be afraid or worried if something like this were to happen again?

"There’s no guarantee it won’t, but what choice do we have now?

“Even if we want to sell the land, who would buy it? Land prices here have dropped. We’ve lost out and there’s no assurance of safety either," he added.