THE massive Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion has set tongues wagging.
Beyond ascertaining who is at fault over the towering atomic bomb-shaped blast, a more pertinent question would be who will cover the damages incurred by scores of Jalan Putra Harmoni residents whose homes and vehicles were devastated by the gigantic fireball that erupted on April 1.
According to Subang Jaya District police chief ACP Wan Azlan Wan Mamat, a total of 235 premises – including shops and residential units – were affected by the incident. Additionally, some 399 vehicles were either scorched by the fire or sustained ‘minting effect’ from heat climbed to 1,000º Celsius.
This was when Etiqa came to the fore with a statement inviting affected residents to make the relevant claims. It further simplified the process by waiving the need for a police report.
Wow, maybe I should consider them.
Anyone can share their experience? pic.twitter.com/hPnP9yVMuv
— Richard Ker (@richardker) April 1, 2025
The company’s swift response to this incident caught the attention of marketing-influencer Richard Ker (@richardker) who was sufficiently impressed to admit he would contemplate signing up with the Maybank-backed insurer.
This is when he requested others to share their experience of being Etika customers on X.
On a positive note, many highlighted the efficiency of Etiqa’s vehicle breakdown assistance and towing services as examples of speedy response.
This was extended to claims of a total loss on a vehicle badly damaged in an accident with one customer stating his claim was sorted in a matter of weeks.
Some also had positive experiences with the company’s other products, namely its travel and flooding insurance schemes.
However, there were others who did not fare so well when making claims with Etiqa with one commenter stating he has waited for six months for a claim to be resolved.
Another proclaimed he stopped using Etika’s services after the company only responded to a request for vehicle assistance the next day.
One netizen asked if any other insurance providers had stepped up with regard to claims related to the gas explosion.
Another responded that Takaful had also issued a statement requesting customers to come forward with their claims.
In the internet age, speed is of the essence. Businesses must react to circumstances quickly or risk getting left behind.
It is commendable that Etiqa was first to issue a statement with the added bonus of waiving the need for a police report.
Perception is everything and the convenient process certainly paints a positive picture of the insurance provider. It also shows that the company has the gumption to face head on any negative publicity which is almost inevitable from disgruntled customers.
It remains to be seen if Etiqa walks the walk instead of just talking the talk.
In the meantime, FocusM wishes all those affected by the incident all the best in getting their lives back on track. – April 3, 2025
