SUBANG JAYA — The Selangor state government has been urged to adopt payment mechanisms that would not financially strain residents when providing temporary housing for victims of the underground gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights.
Among those affected is former TV3 personality Aidil Abd Ghaffar, 56, who appealed for the state to cover rental costs for the first three to four months.
“We fully appreciate the state government’s initiative to assist, which is most welcome. However, we hope residents can occupy the temporary housing rent-free for at least the first three months,” he told Scoop when met today.
“If immediate payments are required, many residents simply won’t have the means. We hope the government could consider allowing payments only after three or four months, once victims have stabilised their situation.”
Earlier, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced that 100 temporary housing units would be offered to victims through the SMART Sewa Selangor scheme, with the state subsidising a portion of the rental costs.
The state government is currently finalising locations for these temporary residences, with victims expected to move in as early as next week.
Aidil further requested detailed clarification regarding the temporary housing agreements.
“How long will victims be permitted to stay in these temporary units? Some homes have been completely destroyed and may require one to two years for full repairs and reconstruction,” he said.
“What’s the duration of this cost-sharing arrangement? These are the pressing questions we need answered.”
He also raised concerns about plummeting property values in the area following the incident, noting this represented an additional crisis beyond immediate safety issues.
“This is another serious problem emerging from this disaster, separate from the safety concerns we’re all facing,” Aidil added.
“We must remember these gas pipelines existed here before development, when this area was still jungle. The residential neighbourhood has been established for 15 years. Yet suddenly we face this catastrophic explosion – who should be held accountable? The public can draw their own conclusions.”
Another affected resident, Puspagaran Alakasundaran, 45, appealed for urgent reconstruction of severely damaged homes.
“I’m utterly devastated – my house has been reduced to a skeletal structure, with the rear section completely obliterated. The losses exceed RM400,000,” he said.
“Yet amidst this tragedy, I’m profoundly grateful for the immediate aid and temporary shelter provided by both state and federal authorities.”
Puspagaran acknowledged the proposed temporary housing initiative through the SMART Sewa scheme as commendable, thanking the Menteri Besar for the assistance.
“However, my family desperately hopes our home can be restored as quickly as possible,” he added.
The explosion, which occurred last Tuesday, destroyed multiple homes along a 500-metre stretch of the Petronas gas pipeline in Putra Heights. – April 4, 2025