Now they are hesitant to return home despite electricity supply being restored, reported Bernama.
One of the victims, Sarah Amira Ahmad Idris, 28, said her family asked her to go inspect their home along Jalan 1/3B.
“The moment I stepped inside, the smell was overwhelming — it made me dizzy.
“Our Raya dishes were still on the table, and the food in the fridge had spoiled after being without electricity for two days.
“We had stocked up on ingredients for an open house this weekend. But all those plans are gone now.”
Sarah said her family’s home did not suffer major damage but the exterior was covered in ash from the fire and explosion while the interior was in disarray.
“With the infrastructure in ruins and access roads tightly controlled, my father has decided that we should continue staying at my brother’s rented house in USJ1, Subang Jaya, for the time being,” she said.
Another resident, Dr Haslina Rusdi, 52, said she and her family had also chosen not to return home yet due to the condition of the house.
“I am supposed to return to work tomorrow, but because of this fire, I haven’t even thought about it yet.”
She had left the house in a hurry with her two children and three cats after feeling the house shake and seeing the massive fire.
Accountant Ong Yaw Kern, 51, has no home to return to as his house was destroyed since it was the closest unit to the explosion, located just 50m away.
Despite an estimated loss of RM2 million, including personal belongings and equipment, he remains thankful and hopeful that they will be able to rebuild what has been lost. He and his three children suffered burns on their legs.
“We are lucky to be alive after the horrific incident. That is all that matters.”
He and his family are now staying in a budget hotel and hope to find a house or apartment to stay and start life afresh.
Earlier, Petaling district officer Huzunul Khaidil Mohammed said electricity supply to 115 affected houses would be restored if their wiring was found to be in good condition.
Only homes deemed safe would be allowed to be reoccupied, he added.