KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 — 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.
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.
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.
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
