By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, April 3 — The immediate aid announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the victims of the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights will be disbursed starting on Monday (April 7).
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said that data on all fire victims is currently being collected to ensure that no one is left out from receiving assistance.
“The Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the State Health Department are refining data on affected residents to prevent any issues of exploitation or exclusion from receiving aid.
“The data collection process will be led by the district disaster unit, in collaboration with JKM, the Implementation Coordination Unit, and Petronas. The immediate aid distribution process is expected to begin as early as Monday,” he said.
Speaking at a special press conference in the State Secretariat building today, Amirudin, who also chairs the Selangor State Disaster Committee, said that daily briefings will be held regarding the incident.
[caption id="attachment_395987" align="alignleft" width="471"]
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari speaks during a press conference on the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire, at the State Secretariat building in Shah Alam, on April 3, 2025. — Picture by HARUN TAJUDIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
These briefings would be conducted alternately with the committee’s deputy chairman cum Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar, covering overall policy decisions and investigative aspects.
“The technical aspects will be handled by the Public Works Department and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, while investigations will focus on possible negligence or criminal elements.
“So far, we have received 108 police reports, and all information, including video clips, has been recorded. All relevant parties will be called for questioning,” he said.
Meanwhile, the state government will hold discussions with Petronas tomorrow regarding temporary housing arrangements for the victims.
Amirudin said that several solutions are currently being considered, with a final decision expected to be made by Sunday (AprIl 6) or at the latest on Monday.
“We uphold the decree of the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, who has called for temporary housing to be provided for the victims so that they can be accommodated comfortably.
“We will discuss the best possible support for the victims, but at the very least, they will need to stay at temporary evacuation centres (PPS) for at least a week while arrangements are made,” he said.
The Menteri Besar added that various offers have been received to house victims who have lost their homes for several months, including AirBnB options, but these need to be carefully reviewed.
Additionally, the state government will reactivate Tabung Prihatin to provide financial aid to victims, alongside other welfare assistance from JKM.
Victims staying at the PPS will also receive mental health support, while special service counters will be opened to assist with document renewals.
“For example, today, several victims have registered and updated their information to ensure that essential documents and processes, including insurance claims and healthcare matters, are handled efficiently while they are at the PPS,” Amirudin said.
He also urged the public not to use the PPS as a storage space for donated items, emphasising that aid should be distributed based on the specific needs of the victims.
The massive gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights occurred on Tuesday (April 1), causing widespread destruction and forcing some residents to relocate to temporary relief centres.
The fire, which started at around 8am, resulted in towering flames visible from several kilometres away.
