SHAH ALAM, April 18 — A briefing on the reconstruction of damaged homes for the victims of the Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion on April 1 is expected to be held within the next two weeks.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said that, for now, efforts are focused on securing rental housing for them before proceeding with the reconstruction.
“This involves a substantial allocation from the Federal government, so we are currently awaiting their commitment. However, preliminary discussions have taken place.
“I have personally met with Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming on the matter,” he told the press after the 'Ehsan Raya Meriah Lain Macam' event organised by the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation at Wisma PKPS today.
[caption id="attachment_398008" align="alignright" width="404"]
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari speaks to the press during the 'Ehsan Raya Meriah Lain Macam' event organised by the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation at Wisma PKPS in Shah Alam on April 18, 2025. — Picture by HARUN TAJUDIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Previously, the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) said the recovery and reconstruction of homes affected by the incident is one of its key priorities.
A Special Task Force has been formed, comprising its agencies, particularly implementing agencies such as Syarikat Perumahan Nasional Berhad (SPNB) and PR1MA.
Commenting on claims by Taman Medan state assemblyman Afif Bahardin, who expressed disappointment that opposition representatives were not invited to the recent special briefing on the catastrophe, Amirudin said the allegation was baseless.
He said the briefing was held at the request of government bloc assemblymen, and opposition representatives can still access information through a dedicated website.
"The briefing focused on the support and aid provided to the victims and the extent of assistance rendered so far. All this information is available on the website.
"Investigations are still ongoing, involving technical departments and other relevant agencies," he said.
The April 1 blaze completely destroyed 81 houses with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent and partially damaged another 81.
A further 57 homes were affected but not burnt, while 218 houses, including those in Kampung Tengah, Puchong, remained untouched.
— Bernama
