PUTRA HEIGHTS – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assured victims of the devastating fire here today that the federal government, Selangor government and national oil firm Petronas will take full responsibility for rebuilding the affected homes and covering all associated costs.
As an immediate relief measure, he announced that those whose homes were destroyed would receive RM5,000 per unit, while those with partial damage would be given RM2,500 each to cover temporary expenses.
He said this during his visit to the site, accompanied by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, and top officials from Petronas, including its chief executive officer Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, the police, fire department and local council.
While safety remains the top priority, he said investigations into the cause of the fire, which stemmed from a gas pipeline, would require time.
“Our priority is ensuring safety. The fire department acted swiftly and the police provided immediate reports, allowing us to coordinate response efforts effectively. This is why I came here myself to ensure that the situation is under control.”
Addressing the affected residents, Anwar acknowledged the severe destruction, with some homes completely razed while others suffered partial damage.
He assured that relief measures were already in place, including the activation of temporary shelters (PPS) through collaboration with the state government and Petronas.
However, he said the rebuilding process would not be quick, given the scale of destruction.
He added that unlike flood disasters, where residents can often return within weeks, the damage from this fire may take a year or more to rectify.
“It is not something that can be resolved in a matter of months, but rest assured, we will mobilise all necessary resources to get this done as soon as possible.”
He confirmed that the government would convene an emergency meeting involving the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), Petronas and representatives from the affected community to discuss long-term housing solutions.
Anwar praised local community organisations, including temple and mosque committees, for offering temporary shelter and assistance.
“This is our way—when a crisis happens, we come together to solve it.”
When asked when residents could return to their homes, he said: “How can they go back under these conditions? For now, it is not safe.” – April 1, 2025