MB to meet PM’s Dept, Petronas on temporary housing for Putra Heights victims

 

Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari said he will provide an update on temporary housing for the victims either on Sunday or Monday.

SHAH ALAM: 

Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari will be meeting the implementation coordination unit of the Prime Minister’s Department and national oil company Petronas tomorrow to discuss temporary housing for the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire victims.

“There are several formulas that we need to discuss and finalise in order to provide the victims with comfortable, temporary homes.

“I will provide an update on Sunday or Monday,” he told a press conference here today.

Amirudin said the 630 victims from 157 families would need to remain at the temporary shelters – the Putra Heights mosque multipurpose hall and the Subang Jaya City Council’s Camelia Hall – for at least another week.

He also said another 624 victims, from 151 families, were staying with their friends and families.

According to the menteri besar, 87 houses were destroyed in the fire.

“Another 148 homes were damaged, but could still be lived in once they are repaired,” he said.

He also said 1,254 victims from 308 families have been identified and registered with the welfare department.

The fire, which broke out on Tuesday morning, engulfed a 500m section of the gas pipeline, injuring 111 people, many of whom suffered burns and respiratory issues.

A total of 399 vehicles were affected, with 225 destroyed and 174 damaged. Meanwhile, 538 residents from 120 families were relocated to two temporary relief centres.

Petronas Gas Bhd, a publicly listed subsidiary of Petronas, owns the pipeline.

Earlier today, Petaling district officer Huzunul Khaidil said the affected residents have begun returning to their homes in stages.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said owners of homes which were destroyed would receive RM5,000, while those with homes partially damaged would receive RM2,500. - FMT