By Media Selangor Team
SHAH ALAM, April 5 — Selangor's leadership stand firmly with Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari in aiding and defending the rights of the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire victims, in spite of unwelcome commentary from certain quarters.
His political secretary Saifuddin Shafi Muhammad said that Amirudin remains committed to ensuring the victims receive proper aid, protection, and justice.
"At a time when the people of Selangor are grappling with the tragedy of the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, PAS has chosen to engage in petty political games.
[caption id="attachment_375086" align="alignright" width="484"]
Batang Kali state constituency coordinating officer and political secretary to the Menteri Besar Saifuddin Shafi Muhammad speaks to the media after an event in Bukit Beruntung, Hulu Selangor, on September 7, 2024. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
"The statement by PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, who sarcastically suggested that the Menteri Besar take a break, is not only baseless but utterly unhelpful and shows no empathy whatsoever towards the victims and grieving families," he said in a statement this evening.
Saifuddin noted that PAS-led Menteri Besars take leave during times of crisis, as seen in certain east coast states.
"This is a crisis, yet PAS leaders still find time to make foolish suggestions — like a puffed-up pufferfish, bloated but empty inside.
"This response reflects a sad reality: that some are more eager to exploit political opportunities than to step down and assist the people," he said.
Saifuddin stated that Amirudin has chosen not to 'rest' during this crisis, as from the very first day of the incident, he was on the ground — monitoring rescue operations, offering support to victims’ families, and coordinating all agency responses.
"His actions stem from responsibility, not from a political script. We will not entertain hollow remarks designed merely to divert the public’s attention from the reality of who is truly working and who is merely making noise.
"If you cannot help, at the very least, do not become an obstacle—because the people are watching," he concluded.
Earlier today, Fadhli made a Facebook post in which he sarcastically suggested that Amirudin should take a break from his efforts over the Putra Heights incident, alleging that the Menteri Besar did not respond to his earlier denials on the presence of excavator machines near the gas pipeline.
His post was a response to Amirudin's remarks that the Opposition party engaged in slander and manipulation over the disaster.
The fire at the Petronas gas pipeline, which occurred at 8.10am on Tuesday (April 1), saw flames soaring over 30 metres high with temperatures reaching 1,000°C, taking nearly eight hours to be completely extinguished.
87 houses have been declared as “total loss” in the aftermath of the disaster, while 148 other affected houses that sustained damage are deemed to be safe and can be occupied after repairs.
Over 300 people were displaced and are being sheltered at two temporary relief centres. However, no fatalities were reported.
