KESUMA, PERKESO READY TO ASSIST UNIVERSITY BLAST VICTIMS - RAMANAN

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan has announced that the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) is prepared to assist the victims of the recent explosion at Help University.  

While the Ministry of Higher Education is providing initial relief to the affected students, Ramanan confirmed that PERKESO and the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) will provide complementary support.

"The victims have sustained severe trauma and remain in critical condition in the hospital. Our collective prayers are with them for a full and speedy recovery," he told reporters following the KESUMA Monthly Assembly and 2026 New Year Address today.

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The fatal incident on Monday claimed the life of a 24-year-old practical training student from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. He was a third-year Mechanical Engineering student who was due to complete his industrial placement today.

According to media reports, the explosion occurred at approximately 11.40 am at Help University in Bukit Damansara. The blast involving an air-conditioning compressor left nine other people injured, four of whom were students.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) expects the investigation report on the explosion to be finalised within two weeks, said its deputy director-general (Operations), Datuk Ahmad Izram Osman.

“At this stage, no further announcements can be made as the investigation remains active, with the JBPM’s Fire Investigation Division from headquarters now involved in determining the cause. As a technical agency, we cannot speculate or offer any preliminary conclusions without full verification,” he said. 

Ahmad Izram said the inquiry covers all angles, from reviewing recorded communications and inspecting the relevant equipment to scrutinise owners and manufacturers.

He explained that analysis using specialised instrumentation, such as Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry, generally requires approximately one week or more. 

“Should the investigation need more sophisticated technology, we will forward the samples to an external, accredited chemical laboratory for further analysis,” he added.

-- BERNAMA