PUTRA HEIGHTS DISASTER: VICTIM GRATEFUL FOR EMPLOYER SUPPORT, HOPES FOR MORE HELP

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- Amidst uncertainty, a private sector employee affected by the  fire disaster in Putra Heights has expressed gratitude for the concern and full support extended by his employer to him and colleagues who were also impacted.

Masri Ariffin, 53, said the company management not only provided moral support but also offered various forms of assistance to ensure the well-being of affected employees.

“We are grateful that our employer is very understanding and compassionate during this difficult time. They not only provide moral support but also temporary assistance, including accommodation and leave, to allow us to handle family matters,” he said when met at the Temporary Relief Centre (PPS) at Masjid Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, today.

According to Masri, the company also deployed a special team to assess the extent of damage to affected homes and to help provide essential supplies during the recovery period.

Having lost most of his home in the fire, he acknowledged that while government aid helped alleviate some of the burden, the amount received was still insufficient to cover the full extent of the damage.

“Although my house is still standing, internal damage such as electrical wiring and the roof structure due to the intense heat are very concerning. It is estimated that over RM200,000 will be needed for repair works,” he said.

Another victim, Amirul Azhar Mohd Yasin, 28, also expressed gratitude that his employer promptly took note of his situation and that of several other affected staff.

“At the moment, we are still on holiday for the (Aidilfitri) festive period, so no official action has been taken by my employer. However, they have already gathered information on our situation and are expected to provide assistance once we return to work,” he said.

Amirul Azhar, an executive at the company, added that the insurance claim process for his vehicle was still in its early stages and depended on a full report from the authorities.

“All insurance companies require an official report before we can file for compensation claims. So for now, we can only wait,” he said.

Amirul Azhar also shared that he and several of his family members sustained injuries in the incident. 

“My wife, parents-in-law, grandmother, nephew, and brother-in-law sustained more serious injuries and are still receiving treatment at the hospital,”  said. Amirul Azhar, who suffered burns from the intense heat while trying to escape

He revealed that his home was severely damaged and estimated that more than RM1 million would be needed for a full restoration.

“My house is considered a total loss and is no longer habitable. Additionally, I have suffered a huge financial loss, including the destruction of my vehicles,” he said, adding that four of his vehicles were lost in the fire, with the loss estimated between RM600,000 and RM700,000.

As someone who has lost his home entirely, Amirul Azhar hopes for more assistance to help them rebuild their lives.

“Our priority now is securing a safe place to stay. The initial aid has been helpful, but to truly recover from this tragedy, we need more comprehensive support,” he said.

-- BERNAMA