3 days ago
Sombre Aidiladha For Victims Of Putra Heights Gas Pipeline Fire
GENERAL
By Ahmad Syabil Sultan Noordin Ahmad
SUBANG JAYA, June 6 (Bernama) -- As Muslims across the country are looking forward to celebrating Hari Raya Aidiladha tomorrow, residents of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru in Puchong, whose homes were destroyed in the gas pipeline inferno on April 2, must summon the strength to face the day.
Although the familiar aroma of ketupat and rendang does not fill their kitchens this year, they remain grateful to have survived the tragedy.
Mohamad Nasir Ab Hamid, 69, said that sheer will and determination have been his family's main source of strength in forging ahead despite now living with minimal means after losing most of their belongings in the incident.
'Alhamdulillah, my family and I are grateful to be alive and to have received support from the community and various parties. However, I hope the recovery process, particularly the promised rebuilding of our home, can be expedited so that life can return to normal,' he told Bernama.
A Bernama check revealed that Mohamad Nasir's house was without a roof, except for the garage, and the interior was devoid of furniture or electrical appliances, which the intense heat from the fire had destroyed.
Mohamad Nasir lives in the house alone, sleeping in the garage on a mattress he received from the temporary relief centre.
'Although I received financial assistance to rent a house, I feel more comfortable staying in my own home as I can also keep an eye on what's left of my belongings while my wife and four of our children occupy the rented house,' he said, expressing hope that the government would expedite the repair process for all victims' homes.
Ahmad Danial, 25, said that their lives are no longer the same, especially with the lingering trauma still deeply affecting the entire family.
