The city council is indeed responsible for approving building plans, but that approval should only cover the structure of the building itself—not the work involved in crossing Petronas gas pipelines, cables, or drainage systems that are integral to the nation’s critical infrastructure.

To be honest, in order to build this row of shop lots, TNB carried out excavation work a month ago. Just a few days ago, in conjunction with Hari Raya, another excavation was done—possibly related to the water supply or drainage system. The day before the incident, I passed by the location myself. A JCB machine was in operation, and I was given a path to cross. After that, they continued digging.

Where is the Minister of Housing and Local Government? The Selangor State Executive Council member in charge of the relevant portfolio did visit the site, but the statements given were too general—lacking direction and follow-up action. Inside the victims’ homes, refrigerators are still filled with food that has now spoiled. Can’t the authorities send a garbage truck, allow the victims to enter their homes to collect important belongings, and at the same time, remove food waste and trash to the front for collection? This may seem like a small action, but it would mean a lot. It would also help prevent hygiene issues and foul odors that may arise later.

I do not deny that all of Petronas’ operations comply with existing laws and the Petroleum Act. And yes, most of their information is confidential and protected. But when an incident of this magnitude occurs, shouldn’t there be a well-trained, efficient crisis management team ready to respond? Why not consider buying back all affected properties, leveling the area, and turning it into a green park—a memorial park? Just like the 9/11 Memorial in the United States, at the very least, it would serve as a learning point for all. Future planning and construction should not repeat the same mistakes. It could also become a symbol of awareness and responsibility—not a political battlefield or media fodder.

This is not a natural disaster. It is not a typical fire. This is a first-degree accident, occurring in a residential area. Even insurance companies are unsure how to categorize it—ultimately opting for automatic compensation. Petronas should take this opportunity to be more transparent and address the issue swiftly and comprehensively. With the right approach, the public will feel reassured, political issues can be avoided, stock prices will remain stable, and pipeline repairs can proceed without disruption. This is an opportunity for a solution that benefits all parties.

In the past, I wrote from a third-person perspective. But this time, I write from the heart—because I am a victim myself. I witnessed firsthand the flames shooting 100 meters into the sky. I felt the heat, which reached thousands of degrees Celsius. I lived through the panic, as if I were in a volcanic disaster film. Then, thunder and rain followed. This was not just a tragedy—it was trauma.

The government owns Petronas. Therefore, this incident should be a major lesson. Compensation is not an issue for a corporation of this scale. But if not handled with wisdom and accountability, it could spark widespread anxiety across all areas along the national gas pipeline—and worse, cause the public to lose trust in the government.

Petronas may not have a fully equipped crisis advisory team. But I believe that Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim does. He understands the gravity of this incident. My hope is that a journalist, media outlet, or influential individual will bring this matter to the attention of the relevant leaders. May this crisis be handled with greater seriousness, transparency, and true responsibility.