PUCHONG, April 1 – A group of volunteer firefighters sprang into action early this morning to rescue several pets from a raging gas pipeline fire near Putra Heights. Among the animals saved were two dogs, three rabbits, a hamster, and a sugar glider. The rescue mission took place in the Taman Harmoni residential area, just a few metres from the inferno site.
According to Datuk Ken Foo Kwok Sing, a volunteer firefighter from the Shah Alam Fire Station, his team discovered the distressed animals inside three houses affected by the fire. One of the rescued dogs, a traumatised puppy, was found cowering in a corner.
“We managed to save two dogs, three rabbits, and a hamster,” Foo told reporters at the emergency command centre. “The dogs will be taken to a nearby veterinary clinic for treatment, and we urge their owners to contact our hotline at 012-6088871 to claim them.”
One of the affected residents, a 60-year-old woman who wished to be known only as Yap, recalled the terrifying moment when the explosion occurred.
“I was cleaning my pets’ cages when I heard a loud blast. Thick smoke filled the sky, and I knew we had to escape,” Yap said, holding her beloved pet rabbit close.
Yap, who owns six pets, said she only had time to save her sugar glider before leaving the house. Fortunately, firefighters later managed to rescue three of her rabbits and a guinea pig. However, one rabbit is still missing.
Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) confirmed that a fire broke out at Petronas Gas Bhd’s (PGB) main pipeline near Putra Heights at around 8:10 am today.
Selangor Deputy Police Chief Commissioner Mohd Zaini Abu Hassan reported that 112 individuals and 49 houses were affected by the incident. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, and residents have been advised to stay away from the affected area until further notice.
The rescued pets are currently receiving medical attention. Pet owners who have lost their dogs in the chaos are urged to contact the emergency hotline.
As investigations continue, the heroic efforts of the volunteer firefighters have brought some relief to affected residents, demonstrating the community’s resilience and compassion in the face of disaster. — MalayMail
