Pipeline fire victims to receive RM2,500, says PM

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the federal and state governments, as well as Petronas will see to the repairs of the damaged homes.

SUBANG JAYA: 

More than 100 people whose homes were partially damaged by today’s gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights will receive RM2,500 each, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

He also said the owners of houses that were completely damaged by the fire would receive RM5,000.

“Over the next one or two days, Petronas and the federal government will provide additional support,” he told reporters after visiting the site this evening.

Also present were Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari as well as representatives from the national oil company, Petronas.

The massive fire, which spread to several houses and forced residents to evacuate, was finally extinguished at 3.45pm. Two residential areas nearby have been declared restricted zones for safety checks to be carried out.

Anwar said the cause of the fire had yet to be determined and that it would take “some time” before they had an answer.

For now, temporary relief centres would be set up. Anwar said this was a short-term measure.

“Based on discussions with the housing and local government ministry, the state government and Petronas, these houses cannot be rebuilt within a short period,” he said, adding that it could take over a year before they could be fully rebuilt.

However, he said the responsibility to repair and rebuild the damaged houses fell on the federal and state governments, as well as Petronas.

He also thanked religious communities, including a local temple and a mosque, for providing temporary shelter to the affected residents.

“(This shows) that when there is a problem, we can work together to solve it.”

Asked when residents could return home, Anwar said it was not possible for now.

“How can they return in such conditions? For now, not yet,” referring to the state of the houses.

Meanwhile, Malaysian hypermarket chain Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd has offered RM10,000 to help the victims.

“Mydin is Subang Jaya’s neighbourhood hypermarket. As your fellow neighbour, I felt compelled to offer RM10,000 to help the victims,” its managing director Ameer Ali Mydin, said in a statement.

Ameer said the funds were to provide immediate relief for the victims to buy food, clothing and bedding.

“I am sure the government will offer assistance to the victims but our gesture is for immediate, emergency assistance.” - FMT