PUTRA HEIGHTS DISASTER: VICTIMS’ WELFARE TAKES PRIORITY

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) – The welfare of the victims of the gas pipeline disaster in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya remains a priority, with various efforts being carried out including additional contributions and rental assistance.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said that the contributions of RM5,000 and RM2,500 from Petronas are in addition to the assistance previously announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the contributions, based on the level of house damage, mean that victims whose homes were completely destroyed will receive a total of RM10,000, while those with partially damaged homes and tenants will each receive RM5,000.

Additionally, Amirudin announced that the state government would provide rental assistance of RM2,000 to affected victims for six months, depending on the repair period of each home, involving a financial implication of RM7.4 million.

Following the incident, which occurred on the morning of the second day of Hari Raya (April 1), Amirudin said the estimated value of loss and damage to affected residences was about RM65.4 million, with 437 houses confirmed as the final number of residences impacted.

He said the figure was based on inspections conducted by a technical team led by the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), confirming that 81 houses were completely destroyed with structural damage exceeding 40 percent, 81 houses were partially damaged, 57 were affected but not burnt, while 218 houses were not affected.

Selangor Deputy State Secretary (Development) and Director of the State Economic Planning Unit, Datuk Johary Anuar, has also been appointed to lead the Recovery Phase, including restoration methods for homes, roads, infrastructure, and public facilities.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Political Secretary Datuk Azman Abidin expressed hope that more corporate companies would come forward to contribute to the victims to help ease their burden, despite various forms of assistance already provided by the government and related agencies.

He said that as of today, a total of RM1.4 million had been channelled to affected victims, including immediate aid from the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department and initial assistance from Petronas.

In addition to financial assistance, victims are also receiving counselling support at the Local Social Support Centre established at the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) there.

Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that a total of 253 victims have received counselling assistance at the Local Social Support Centre at the PPS.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming is also reported to be meeting the Prime Minister today to discuss the best formula to assist the victims.

The Ministry of Health further informed that 41 out of the total 149 victims involved in this tragedy are still receiving treatment at hospitals and clinics. Of this number, 19 victims are being treated in general wards of government hospitals, while 22 are receiving care at private health facilities.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain,meanwhile, said that aside from criminal elements and negligence, which are among the focuses of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) investigation, other factors are also being considered in efforts to identify the cause of the incident, including the possibility of underground soil movement at the location.

-- BERNAMA