SHAH ALAM — The state government will distribute cash aid of RM2,500 and RM5,000 to victims of the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire this Monday (April 7), said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
The authorities, together with Petronas, are also arranging more suitable interim accommodation for the victims currently placed at temporary relief shelters, he told a press conference at the Selangor state assembly building today.
“Cash aid of RM2,500 and RM5,000 will be distributed to the victims, based on the extent of the damage they have incurred, and the distribution will begin on Monday.
“By the end of this week, the state government hopes to determine a more suitable and comfortable solution for accommodations for victims who cannot return to their homes, including an offer by Petronas to house the victims.
“My office has also been contacted by companies such as Airbnb, which can offer temporary accommodation solutions at no cost to residents until a long-term housing arrangement is determined,” Amirudin said.
He said he would be meeting the implementation coordination unit of the Prime Minister’s Department and Petronas tomorrow to discuss housing solutions for the victims.
The cash aid was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. RM5,000 is for households that have sustained total losses, while RM2,500 is for houses that were partially damaged.
Of the total 235 properties damaged by the fire, Amirudin said 87 houses are considered a “total loss”.
148 houses that sustained damage are habitable but only after repairs are made.
He said a total of 1,254 victims from 308 families have been identified and registered with the Social Welfare Department.
As of today, 630 of them from 157 families are given shelter in two temporary relief centres, at the Putra Heights Mosque and the Dewan Camelia Multipurpose Hall.
Another 624 victims from 151 families are staying with relatives or friends, or have made their own living arrangements, Amiruddin said.
Today, 85 households will be allowed to return to their homes which sustained less damage and which have passed safety checks by the authorities.
Two victims are still in the Intensive Care Unit of government hospitals — one at Ampang Hospital and another at Kuala Lumpur Hospital — for lung issues due to smoke inhalation. No deaths have been reported.
Volunteers
Amirudin also said that the state government has activated the “Tabung Prihatin” to assist the victims and is coordinating with donors of various forms of aid, including funds, loans, essential items and transportation.
“Prasarana is providing transportation services for victims to travel between their affected homes and the relief centres, in case they wish to retrieve their personal belongings.
“Companies are providing credit loans and cars, namely Aeon, Carsome, and Cherry, which have also agreed to offer loans and vehicles to those affected.”
He added that members of the public who wish to provide other forms of assistance may contact the district welfare department.
“The public can always contact the welfare department and do their part, but it would be best if they focused on contributing only what is necessary for the victims and avoided donating items that are unnecessary or potentially harmful,” Amirudin added. – April 3, 2025