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Silent ‘heroes’ of the Putra Heights fire

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Write an article about Silent ‘heroes’ of the Putra Heights fire .Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), Retain any existing tags from Help came in many forms for those displaced by the Putra Heights fire. (Masjid Putra Heights Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:
On April 1, just one day after Hari Raya, a quiet morning was shattered when a in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya exploded, destroying hundreds of homes, vehicles, and displacing more than 500 families. Many were injured, too.

More than two weeks later, the dust has begun to settle. On April 13, the temporary relief centre (PPS) set up in the multipurpose hall of the Putra Heights Mosque officially closed its doors as families returned to their homes or were relocated.

As the nation moves on to the next headline, FMT Lifestyle is taking a moment to pause, and to recognise, some of the thousands who came forward to help during the tragedy.

karthiga Having lost her own sister to a fire before, Dr Karthiga Veloo knew she had to help. (Karthiga Veloo Instagram pic)

1. Dr Karthiga Veloo

If you thought the inferno only caught the attention of those in the Klang Valley, think again.

Based in Perak, Dr Karthiga Veloo – certified in clinical wound care and practising for six years – was among the first to assist the victims.

For Karthiga, this mission was deeply personal.

“Losing my sister to a fire, where she suffered extensive third-degree burns before she succumbed several years ago, is a pain that stays. When I heard about the Putra Heights fire, I knew I couldn’t just watch from afar,” she told FMT Lifestyle.

She volunteered with the Malaysian Relief Agency, where she cared for burn victims at the PPS.

Follow Dr Karthiga Veloo on Instagram.

2. University students who sacrificed their Raya celebration

A group of university students gave up their festive holidays to assist those at the PPS.

The Malaysian Universities Volunteer Council played an active role in supporting those affected – helping with manpower, setting up fans for each tent, and distributing supplies, especially for mothers and infants.

Among the universities were Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

Muhammad YusufMuhammad Yusuf was among those who helped clean up some of the most damaged areas. (yourpovcleaner Instagram pic)

3. The over 4,000 volunteers who joined clean-up efforts

This past weekend, more than 4,000 individuals were mobilised to help clean up the fire-ravaged areas of Putra Heights. Thanks to their collective effort, 90% of the clean-up was completed.

Among them was Muhammad Yusuf, a foreigner based in Cyberjaya, better known as “yourpovcleaner” on social media. He has long taken it upon himself to clean up local communities – and he didn’t hesitate to be part of the mega clean-up crew.

“Some houses were completely burned down – just ashes left behind. It was emotionally overwhelming,” he shared.

Spending the day there left a deep impression on him.

“It was especially hot that day, but one of the kampung residents was incredibly generous. He offered us shade under his home, gave us drinks and food, and even welcomed those who needed to pray into his house.”

Follow Muhammad Yusuf on Instagram.

dog Several pets found refuge at the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple in Putra Heights. (Theevya Ragu @ FMT Lifestyle)

4. Hindu temple that offered shelter – for people and pets

Amid the chaos of the Putra Heights fire, the Sri Maha Kaliamman temple made headlines for providing aid, food, and support to those injured, regardless of background.

While most victims were relocated to the PPS, the temple became a safe haven for pets – dogs, cats, and even house snakes – left behind in the aftermath.

Volunteers at the temple, and the priest personally cared for many of the animals, including a blind dog abandoned by its owner.

The temple also served as a base for Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia and SPCA Selangor, which mobilised around 50 volunteers for a five-day animal search and rescue mission. Their efforts, along with public donations, ensured food and care reached the animals most in need.

5. Alicia Leng, Mercy Malaysia volunteer

Alicia Leng, a Mercy Malaysia volunteer and trainee counsellor from Universiti Putra Malaysia, shared her personal connection to the tragedy.

“I spent my childhood growing up in USJ15, which is right in front of Putra Heights. Volunteering here, back in my hometown, is something I hold close to my heart.”

Alicia and her team provided psychological first aid (PFA) to the children of survivors.

“PFA is administered at the time of crisis to stabilise the psychological state of survivors. As a crisis first responder, it’s important to me that this is given as soon as possible. It’s crucial that the survivors don’t lose hope, no matter how difficult the trauma is.”

Follow Alicia Leng on Instagram.

20 victims of the gas pipelineVictims of the gas pipeline fire having a meal at Adrian Low’s home in USJ26.

6. Adrian Low, who opened his home to fire victims

An auditor named Adrian Low received widespread praise for opening his home in USJ26 to fire victims on the day of the incident. Initially preparing to evacuate with his family, he soon realised their home was safe.

When a family with children approached asking for water, Low welcomed them in without hesitation. More families showed up, and he provided not only shelter but food and even transport to clinics for those in need.

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