Six months on, Putra Heights residents tap Tommy Thomas to sue over gas pipeline blast

Six months on, Putra Heights residents tap Tommy Thomas to sue over gas pipeline blast

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — Thirty-six residents of Taman Putra Harmoni have filed a civil suit against five parties, including Petronas Gas Bhd, over the gas pipeline explosion and fire that destroyed their homes on April 1.

The lawsuit was filed at the Shah Alam High Court, naming Petronas Gas, developers Hong & Hong Homes Sdn Bhd and Pinterest Ventures Sdn Bhd, the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ), and the Malaysian government as defendants, Astro Awani reported.

The explosion, on the morning of the second day of Aidilfitri, affected 529 residents and damaged 235 premises, with 87 homes completely destroyed. The ensuing fire burned for more than seven hours.

Speaking at a press conference today, resident representative Loh Poh Heng said the lawsuit was a “plea for justice and recognition of our suffering,” adding that the community believes the tragedy resulted from human negligence and could have been avoided.

“Six months after the incident, many victims still have no permanent homes and are depending on family assistance or living in temporary shelters,” Loh said, highlighting the lasting impact on the community.

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The residents, who have appointed former attorney general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas as their lead counsel, claim the gas transmission line owned by Petronas was laid too close to their homes and that safety measures were inadequate.

Loh said the incident has left many residents with serious burns and lasting emotional trauma, and the lawsuit is their way of ensuring their voices are heard.