A Raya shaped by gratitude after the Putra Heights blast

2026-03-21 - 23:10

The April 1, 2025, explosion tore through the neighbourhood, sending flames and searing heat into nearby homes and surrounding areas, forcing residents to run for safety. PETALING JAYA: While most families are reminded to count their blessings each time Hari Raya comes around, gratitude has taken on a much deeper meaning for those living with the aftermath of the Putra Heights blast. For many of the victims, this year’s celebration is no longer about preparations, festivities or open houses, but about reflection and the simple relief of still having their loved ones by their side. The explosion erupted on April 1, 2025, sending flames and intense heat through the neighbourhood, forcing residents to flee. For Daeng Amir Hamzah and Siti Noor Lianna Misli, the shock came from afar. The couple were in Melaka for Raya when they came across videos of the explosion on social media. “At first, I thought the videos could have been a prank, but it turned out to be real. I felt really shocked. At first, I thought it was a petrol station that caught fire, but it turned out to be a gas line explosion,” Amir told FMT. When they returned, Lianna said the neighbourhood was almost unrecognisable, with scorched trees, heat-warped surroundings and a sharp smell lingering in the air. Amir and Lianna with their melted car, which was damaged by the heat from the explosion. Their home suffered major structural and heat damage, with the roof and ceiling giving way and large cracks spreading across the walls. Still, the couple said what mattered most was that their family — including six children, Lianna’s mother and her sister — was unharmed. “I’m grateful that our family was unharmed. In a way, I’m grateful that we weren’t here. There will always be another Raya, so what’s important is that we are all safe,” she said. Abdul Ghani Abdul Aziz, 58, was in Terengganu with his wife’s family when a neighbour called with words he still remembers clearly: “Ghani, we no longer have a house.” His house was in ruins, with the roof caved in, windows blown out, and water leaking from damaged pipes and the water tank. Abdul Ghani said the upstairs portion of his house was the worst affected by the blaze. “I am thankful that no lives were lost. If there were, it would’ve been much worse,” he said. For Alina Ariffin, 53, the blast happened as she, her husband and their two children were at home getting ready for breakfast. Looking back, she said what stayed with her most was not what was damaged, but the fact that everyone made it out alive. “If the explosion had happened on a normal working day, there may have been casualties, as it happened close to the road and many cars pass by that area on work days.” “It happened on a public holiday when everyone was still asleep and the area was not so busy. In that way, we have to count our blessings,” she said. For Ooi Sui Li and Loh Poh Heng, the experience left behind not just memories of fear and loss, but a deep sense of gratitude. “But one thing I see from this incident is that we feel very grateful to be able to live again. Every single day is a bonus. Just be grateful that you are alive,” said Ooi.