Malaysians Applaud Brave Pakistani Nationals Who Rescued Putra Heights Fire Victims

Social media users flooded comment sections praising the unlikely rescuers.

On 1 April, a natural gas pipeline explosion broke the peace at Putra Heights in Selangor, sending residents in the area into chaos as they attempt to flee a blaze caused by the blast.

Several victims attempted to escape the inferno by crossing a river at Kampung Sri Aman, where they were met by unlikely rescuers: Five Pakistani nationals and a local man.

The Pakistani men jumped into the river and saved several children and their family members from a potential watery end. Their bravery was met with applause on social media, where Malaysians praised them for their efforts.

Many were thankful that the Pakistani nationals were on the scene to assist with the rescue.

One of the victims rescued by the Pakistani men even took to social media, seeking his rescuers to thank them personally.

Heroes without borders

According to earlier media reports, the victims attempted to cross the river to escape the fire’s intense heat. A local resident, Ahmad Syawal Hassan, said he heard faint cries for help from the river and jumped in to help.

Syawal said he first asked nearby residents for assistance, but none dared to take action. He then sought help from the Pakistani men who were on the scene, who jumped into the river to join the rescue.

“Most people were trying to cross the river at the time. Some had suffered burns. We helped them all get to safety,” Syawal said.

One of the Pakistani men, 48-year-old Amir Nawab, said their priority was to save those who were having trouble trying to cross the river. He said he saw children struggling in the river and feared they might get swept away by the current.

Videos of the incident have since gone viral on social media.

Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.