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April 18, 2025
We Can’t Predict Disasters, But We Can Prepare For Them. Is Your Home Protected?
Stay prepared for the unexpected with practical home protection tips and affordable insurance coverage designed to put your peace of mind first.
On a peaceful Aidilfitri morning in April 2025, a sudden explosion in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Malaysia, sent shockwaves throughout the country. A powerful gas pipeline explosion erupted into a fireball reaching 30 metres high, with temperatures rising to 1000°C[1]. Thankfully, rescue workers were quick to react, evacuating residents in the immediate and surrounding residential areas, containing the fire, minimising damages, treating injuries, and even rescuing beloved pets.
The aftermath of the incident was not unlike that of a Hollywood disaster movie. A 32-foot crater marked the site of the explosion, with surrounding trees charred and barren. Vehicles were found burned and melted, tires deflated, while houses were marked with soot and shattered glass and various stages of fire damage. 487 homes were affected by the explosion, with 81 homes completely destroyed and 81 partially destroyed[2]. 149 victims required medical treatment and hospitalisation, although it’s a blessing that no deaths were recorded[3].
With an estimated loss of RM65.4 million[2], this incident serves as a stark reminder of how devastating unexpected disasters can be. But disasters can arise from a variety of other factors – can you confidently say you’re prepared to protect your home and yourself from disasters?
Protecting Your Home From Disaster
This tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how unexpected emergencies can change lives in an instant — and how important it is for all of us to be better informed and prepared, both emotionally and financially, for such unforeseen situations.
While disastrous events like gas pipeline explosions are very rare, our homes are still exposed to other more common disasters including fire, lightning, floods, domestic explosions, landslides, storms and more, not forgetting other incidents like theft, burst water pipes, or even a vehicle crashing into your house.
In 2023, the Fire and Rescue Department responded to 17,235 fire-related reports in Malaysia[4], while floods caused RM933.4 million in overall losses in 2024[5]. Now, think about how much it would cost you if you were to lose your home in a fire, flood or theft. Even with assistance from family, friends or even strangers via online campaigns, do you think you’ll be able to recoup your financial losses?
Planning Ahead Makes All The Difference
We can’t predict when and if disaster will strike, but we can control how prepared we are. Taking proactive steps today can make a significant difference. Here are some key things to consider:
Key Things
To Consider
Know the risks in your area
Is your home located in a flood-prone zone, near hills, or in an area with high fire risk? Knowing this helps you plan better.
Create an emergency plan
Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do, where to go, and how to contact emergency services. Assign a meeting point and make a simple checklist of actions for different scenarios (fire, flood, etc.).
Prepare an emergency kit
Include essentials like water, food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, copies of important documents, cash, and power banks.
Protect important items
Store valuable documents (IC/passports, insurance/takaful policies/certificates, property deeds) in a waterproof and fireproof container and upload digital copies to a secure cloud.
Inspect your home annually
Check your electrical wiring, gas lines, and roofing. Many disasters can be prevented with regular maintenance.
Preparing ahead isn’t about living in fear—it’s about living with confidence and peace of mind knowing that you’ve done what you can to protect your loved ones and the things that matter most.
Think You're Prepared? Here's Why It's Worth Double-checking
Owning a home is one of life’s biggest milestones — and responsibilities. It’s where we build our memories, raise families, and find comfort after a long day. But it also comes with the responsibility of planning ahead for the things we never expect to happen.
While we can’t predict when or how disasters may strike, we can take small steps now so we are better prepared. Being informed, staying aware, and understanding the risks that come with homeownership are key to reducing stress when things go wrong.
One of these steps includes revisiting your existing insurance/takaful coverage. Do you know what’s actually protected and what isn’t? Can it cover the cost of rebuilding your home — or replacing your most important belongings? Now’s a good time to review what you have, identify the gaps, and make sure your plan is truly enough to safeguard what matters most.
Did you know? If you own a house or are planning to buy one, there’s more to think about than just the location, layout, or monthly installments. One important yet often overlooked area is the type of protection that comes with it. While banks require fire insurance or takaful for homes under financing, it’s worth asking yourself: what’s actually covered — and is it truly enough for you?
It's Not Just The House — It's Everything Inside That Matters Too
Etiqa’s Houseowner and Householder coverage doesn’t just cover the walls and roof of your house — it helps you rebuild the heart of your home without financial strain, ensuring you’re not left with an overwhelming financial burden if disaster strikes. From furniture to household appliances, our coverage ensures your possessions are protected, so you can focus on making your house your sanctuary with minimal stress and worry.
Etiqa’s Houseowner and Householder coverage includes a range of perils:
Damage caused by fire, lightning, domestic explosions, floods, and landslides.
Damage caused by acts of nature including floods, landslides, hurricanes, storms, etc.
Damage caused by bursting or overflowing water tanks and pipes.
Damage caused by road vehicles or animals.
Theft by forcible and violent entry into the house.
Landlord protection for loss of rent up to 10% of total sum covered.
Boost your home insurance/takaful coverage with optional add-ons including:
Damage from riots and strikes
Loss of rent
Inoccupancy for more than 90 days
Theft without forcible or violent break-ins (except by domestic help and members of the household)
With prices starting from RM60 per annum, Etiqa’s Houseowner and Householder Insurance and Takaful plans offer an affordable way to avoid significant headache and heartache when and if disaster strikes. Plus, enjoy an additional 15% rebate when you apply online, and receive a no-claims cashback with your coverage (Takaful).
Etiqa truly cares. When the Putra Heights explosion occurred, Etiqa set up a hotline and waived the requirement for a police report to help expedite claims.
Note: Etiqa’s Houseowner and Householder coverage does not include life or health protection in the event of injuries, disability, or death. Please visit Etiqa to get yourself protected from life’s uncertainties.
If you don’t currently have comprehensive home insurance/takaful coverage, it’s never too late to get started. The Putra Heights explosion is a good lesson on how disasters can strike suddenly and without warning, and it just makes good sense to know that no matter what happens, you, your loved ones and your finances will be okay – all you need to do is focus on rebuilding your home once the dust settles.
Whether you’re a homeowner or a landlord, visit Etiqa Home to discover your options and sign up for the best coverage for your house. Staring from only RM4.62 a month, it’s a decision you won’t regret!
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Etiqa has a variety of takaful and insurance products to support your needs. Visit us on etiqa.com.my to discover more. Check out our life stages quick guide to help you understand your protection needs better.
References:
1 Bernama
