KUALA LUMPUR – It may take up to a year for temperatures in heat-stricken Putra Heights to return to normal, provided local authorities implement appropriate measures to restore the disaster-hit area, says environmental analyst Mohd Fadhil Mohd Din.

Fadhil’s remarks come in the wake of a massive explosion and fire that erupted at a Petronas gas pipeline in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, on April 1—sending towering flames into the sky and sparking widespread panic.

The inferno, which saw flames shoot more than 30 metres into the air, caused temperatures to soar to a scorching 1,000 degrees Celsius. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly eight hours before bringing it under control.

The extreme heat reportedly melted plastic and rubber objects within a wide radius of the blast site. A total of 81 homes were destroyed, another 81 were partially damaged, and 57 homes were affected but not burned. The remaining 218 homes in the vicinity were left unscathed.

The intense heat also scorched a section of the area’s green space, resulting in a spike in temperatures over the following four days, with readings between 38 and 42 degrees Celsius. As of now, temperatures in the area remain elevated at 36 degrees Celsius—significantly higher than the average of 28 to 32 degrees Celsius recorded before the incident, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

Speaking to Scoop, Fadhil said the climatic effects of the explosion are expected to persist for up to 10 months, likening the situation to the environmental fallout caused by the 1991 Kuwaiti oil fires.

The Kuwaiti oil fires were ignited by retreating Iraqi forces during the Gulf War, involving an estimated 605 to 732 oil wells and numerous oil-filled trenches and lakes. Though the last fire was extinguished in November 1991, the blazes released massive amounts of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, contributing to acid rain and regional climate disruption.

“Major fossil fuel accidents, such as large-scale oil spills or extensive fires, can have localised environmental impacts, including air and water pollution. For instance, the 1991 Kuwaiti oil fires resulted in significant smoke plumes, but the climatic effects were largely regional and had a long-term effect.

“In contrast, the prolonged burning of fossil fuels on a global scale contributes significantly to climate change, leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events. In the case of Putra Heights, there are already immediate environmental consequences, as we’ve seen in the changing weather patterns in recent days. Even if it rains, the water is still polluted and there is a high risk of frequent acid rain occurring.

“Pollutants that contribute to acid rain, like sulphur dioxide, can also have a cooling effect on the atmosphere by reflecting sunlight. The effects of acid rain can make ecosystems more vulnerable to colder temperatures.

“It will take at least a year for the weather in Putra Heights to return to normal, considering the extreme damage caused by the 1,000-degree Celsius heat. A coordinated effort from the authorities is crucial to mitigate this issue,” said Fadhil, who is also the Director of the UTM Campus Sustainability Office (UTMCS).

Fadhil also urged the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) to move swiftly in its recovery efforts, with an emphasis on embedding climate resilience and sustainability into future plans.

“More green infrastructure should be incorporated into MBSJ’s master plans—such as creating parks, planting more trees, and developing community gardens—which can help to moderate local temperatures and improve air quality for residents.

“MBSJ should also develop and regularly update emergency preparedness plans to ensure the community is better equipped for future incidents, thereby minimising potential damage and enhancing resilience,” Fadhil added. – April 9, 2025