SHAH ALAM – The Selangor state government has agreed to provide more than RM7.35 million in rental aid to 613 families that were affected by the Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion incident last week, says Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Amirudin said that the rental aid amounting to RM2,000 per month will be given over the span of six months to these families to allow them to rent homes temporarily as they wait for their houses to be repaired or reconstructed.
On damages incurred by victims, Amirudin disclosed that they have incurred RM65.4 million in damages to their residences, which includes wiring costs.
“However, swift actions by the fire and rescue department have helped in saving (properties) valued around RM285.9 million,” he said in a press conference held at the Selangor State Secretariat building, here.
“It needs to be remembered that the police received the first report (on the incident) at 8.09 am, and the fire department officials arrived at 8.22 am. We closed the first gas channel at 8.46 am and the second channel at 11.46 am. The fire was put out around 3.45 pm.
“The fire department conducted rescue efforts, aided by members of the public.”
Amirudin also said that starting this evening, 219 families registered with the State Disaster Management Unit will be receiving aid from the federal government and Petronas through the state government.
He said RM10,000 will be given to house owners that incurred total damages, with RM5,000 provided by the federal government and the other half by Petronas
Meanwhile, RM 5,000 will be given to house owners who incurred partial damages and tenants, with RM 2,500 provided by the federal government and the other half by the national oil company.
The gas pipeline fire, which occurred at 8.10 am on Tuesday, April 1, saw a fireball rise over 30m high, with temperatures reaching 1,000 degrees Celsius. It took nearly eight hours to be fully extinguished by 3:45 p.m.
The explosion displaced 1,254 people from 308 families and completely destroyed 87 houses. Another 148 houses were damaged but remained habitable.
Police are currently investigating the incident to determine the cause of the explosion as well as whether there are any criminal elements present.
Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said yesterday that police had recorded statements from 118 witnesses, including 15 contractors, subcontractors, and workers involved in excavation work carried out near the gas pipeline for sewage pipe replacement works.
Education dept to aid traumatised students
With schooling sessions resumed today, Amirudin revealed that around 20% out of the 265 students who were affected by the incident attended schools, where it is suspected that most of the students are still traumatised by the incident.
Therefore, the Selangor State Education Department will be sending their officers to the temporary shelters (PPS) to help the students placed there to resume their learning process and identify aid that need to be given to them.
Additionally, Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) will be handing out RM 500 to each of the 265 affected students. – April 7, 2025