Akmal Azhar
Chery Malaysia Mobilizes Support for Putra Heights Gas Inferno Victims with Vehicle Loan Initiative
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 April 2025
In the wake of the catastrophic gas pipeline explosion that ravaged Putra Heights, displacing families and crippling daily life, Chery Corporate Malaysia has stepped forward with a relief initiative aimed at restoring stability to affected residents. The automotive giant, renowned for its commitment to safety, announced a vehicle loan program to provide temporary transportation solutions for 50 households impacted by the disaster.
The explosion, which destroyed homes and infrastructure in the Selangor suburb, left many families without reliable means to commute, access medical care, or fulfill essential responsibilities. Recognizing the urgency, Chery will deploy a fleet of its latest models—including the Tiggo 7 and Omoda 5 crossover—equipped with advanced safety features such as collision avoidance systems and emergency SOS alerts. These vehicles will be loaned free of charge to displaced families for up to three months, enabling them to navigate disrupted routines while rebuilding their lives.
“Safety extends beyond our vehicles—it’s about safeguarding communities in crisis,” said Mr. Leo Chen, CEO of Chery Malaysia, during the initiative’s launch. “For families who’ve lost everything, mobility is a lifeline. This program ensures they can reach hospitals, schools, and workplaces without added stress.”
The initiative has drawn praise from local officials. Selangor State Executive Councillor for Welfare, Dr. Siti Mariah Mahmud, called it “a model of corporate responsibility,” noting that Chery’s fleet will also assist volunteers delivering aid to isolated neighborhoods where road access remains limited.
Community Impact and Long-Term Commitment
Beyond immediate relief, Chery’s move underscores its broader strategy to align corporate growth with social accountability. The company, which entered the Malaysian market in 2023, has prioritized community-driven projects, including road safety workshops and disaster response partnerships. Analysts suggest this crisis intervention could strengthen public trust in Chery’s brand, contrasting sharply with scrutiny faced by utility providers over the inferno’s alleged maintenance lapses.
Affected families can apply for the vehicle loan program through Chery’s website or at designated relief centers. The automaker has also pledged to extend the initiative if recovery efforts stall, signaling an uncommon corporate resolve to “stand with communities beyond headlines.”
As Putra Heights grapples with reconstruction, Chery’s blend of pragmatic aid and cutting-edge technology offers a blueprint for how businesses can turn empathy into action—proving that in moments of chaos, wheels can drive more than just movement; they can fuel hope.
Chery Corporate Malaysia will be working closely with the offices of Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Selangor State Exco for Investment, Trade and Mobility YB Ng Sze Han and the local authorities who are overseeing the relief efforts to coordinate the programme which will run for a period of time, allowing affected families time to arrange permanent transportation solutions.
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