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ALMOST 90% of clean-up operations in two residential areas severely affected by a gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, have been successfully completed within just 12 days, according to KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM).
The large-scale effort has involved clearing debris and damaged household items from Taman Putra Harmoni and Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, following the massive blaze on 1 April that saw flames shoot up over 30 metres and temperatures soar to 1,000 degrees Celsius. It took nearly eight hours to fully extinguish the fire.
KDEBWM Managing Director, Datuk Ramli Mohd Tahir, said clean-up activities began on the third day after the incident, on 3 April, and are expected to be fully completed this week.
"The clean-up involved the removal of burnt and dead trees, dry leaves, damaged infrastructure, and tarmac road sweeping," he said when contacted by Bernama today.
“Soil and sand covering the road dividers were also cleared using high-pressure water jet machines,” he added.
As part of a coordinated response, KDEBWM worked alongside government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and volunteers to clear away large volumes of discarded household items during the “Ops Mega Pembersihan” (Mega Clean-Up Operation) held over the weekend.
More than 4,000 volunteers from over 20 public and private sector agencies and NGOs were mobilised across 12 zones in Taman Putra Harmoni and Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru for the two-day operation.
As of 2pm yesterday, approximately 500 tonnes of waste had already been cleared from the affected areas, according to Bernama.
The fire, which broke out at 8.10am on 1 April, caused widespread panic due to its intensity and scale. No fatalities were reported, but damage to property and the local environment was extensive.
Authorities have since been working to assess the structural impact and provide assistance to affected residents, while investigations into the cause of the pipeline fire are ongoing. – April 14, 2025
