Unity in action: Aaron shared this photo of a Muslim man performing his prayers at the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple that opened its gates to victims and rescuers during the fire in Putra Heights. The Unity Minister praised the spirit of unity among Malaysians who reached out in various ways to help. — Pic provided
IT was heartwarming, but it was not something extraordinary, at least not in Malaysia.
Malaysians have always come together to help each other in times of need.
Unity in crisis has always been a hallmark of this country. And it was clear again in Putra Heights this past week.
We have to ignore the toxic racist social media rants, and the venomous statements by some politicians and narcissistic influencers who have made a name for themselves by making inflammatory remarks.
They claim to be champions of their race and religions but do we see them when help is needed the most?
A few days ago, the gas pipeline explosion at Putra Heights, Selangor, shocked the nation as most of us have not seen such a massive fire before.
The media labelled it a “monster fire” and it was a miracle that no one died.
It is also most unfortunate that the incident took place on the second day of Hari Raya, when the nation was celebrating this holy festival.
But ironically, the spirit of the nation was lifted even during this tragic incident, as we saw Malaysian humanity shining bright.
Ordinary people of all races and religions who lived nearby and in other parts of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, turned up to offer their assistance to the over 500 victims, showcasing the true spirit of Malaysia.
Our men and women in uniform – the police, firefighters and the volunteers, civil defence rescue units, the medical teams and others – turned up swiftly to put out the inferno and to help.
Many of them would have been celebrating Hari Raya too, but they readily left their homes and families to perform their duties.
The Putra Heights Mosque turned its multipurpose hall into a temporary relief centre, sheltering victims whose homes were damaged in the fire.
The Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple did the same, opening its gates immediately upon hearing the blast and quickly setting up a makeshift medical base.
At both these places of worship, no one was turned away. Food and water was distributed to everybody. Restaurants nearby also readily offered free meals to victims and help providers.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim singled out the mosque and temple committees for praise for providing temporary shelter for the victims.
“This is how we do things; where there is a problem, we will work together and solve it,” he said.
The same sentiments were expressed by Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, who said religious diversity was not a barrier to unity but a strength that brings people together.
Malaysia needs leaders who readily speak up for national unity and diversity.
Such a narrative is important to remind Malaysians that the silent majority who care for the nation and their fellow citizens is actually larger than the loud minority who like to think that they speak for the rest of us.
One particularly moving report from the tragedy was that of an elderly Chinese shopkeeper who donated hundreds of bottles of water to firefighters, mostly Malays, battling the blaze.
There is also a heartwarming picture of a Muslim man, possibly a rescuer, performing his prayers at the temple.
It was also surely uplifting to see viral pictures of rescuers comforting the frightened dogs and cats left behind in homes or that had fled when the loud explosion occurred.
In some homes, the owners had balik kampung and the animals were home alone while the owners were away.
The Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor set up its operations base at the Putra Heights Dewan Camelia and then relocated to the temple, making it its coordination and relief post.
The total number of animals retrieved and treated after four days was 44 cats, seven dogs, and even two snakes. Unfortunately two dogs and a cat died.
Furry friends were not forgotten amidst the disaster. An officer from the Shah Alam Volunteer Fire Brigade, Datuk Dr Ken Foo (left), and his teammate rescued two pet dogs from three houses that caught fire. Many volunteers came forward to help with injured and lost pets. – Bernama
Fatimah Zaharah Rahim, who volunteers with several animal NGOs, spoke about her exhaustion after rescuing the animals, saying, “This is the second day and I haven’t slept for nearly 40 hours.
“I am not just helping animals but also people who need help.’’
These are the unsung heroes of Malaysia who asked for nothing in return. They were there not for the limelight. They had just one purpose – to help their fellow Malaysians in need.
Social media certainly played a crucial role in mobilising aid, with people offering transportation, financial support, and even opening their homes for victims to stay in temporarily.
The pictures of the mosque, temple, and rescuers uploaded by people were inspiring.
Medical professionals also volunteered their services, treating minor injuries, and offering counselling to those in distress, while lawyers showed up to offer legal assistance.
My media colleagues also shared with me stories of young people, youth groups, university students, and animal rights activists who collaborated to distribute aid efficiently.
Malaysians are often disheartened when they read racially-laced negative rhetoric, but what took place at Putra Heights shows that ordinary Malaysians can be relied on to remind us that we can live together.
They don’t need to be told that compassion, regardless of whatever faith, knows no boundaries.
Paradoxical as it may seem, it took an unfortunate incident to wake us up to the fact that Malaysians, if left on their own, will always carry the message of hope and unity.
