SHAH ALAM – Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has dismissed online claims that he is attempting to cover up an incident involving a submerged bulldozer at the site of the Putra Heights explosion.
Amirudin clarified that his previous comments on the matter had been misunderstood by some quarters. He also revealed that discussions with Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed that a bulldozer was indeed submerged in the area.
“This matter was shared by the police chief with the public yesterday. If there is any further information, please share it with the authorities,” he said at a press conference at the State Secretary’s Building.
“We must investigate and determine the whereabouts of the bulldozer.”
The Menteri Besar also refuted suggestions that he was attempting to cover up the incident or protect individuals involved.
“I am not trying to deny any activities or protect anyone, as some people are alleging. They are trying to undermine my position as Menteri Besar in addressing this issue,” he added.
“I have to explain this, or else the issue will persist indefinitely.”
Yesterday, Hussein said that preliminary investigations revealed excavation work had been carried out about 30 metres from the explosion site.
The work was part of a project to replace existing sewage pipes in the area, according to Astro Awani.
Husein also confirmed that police had identified the developer, main contractor, subcontractor, and workers involved in the project.
Additionally, Amirudin also dismissed claims of a double standard being practised by the government in delivering aid to victims, particularly concerning the amount of aid provided. He explained that the aid amounts are determined based on the level of damage incurred by affected households.
“RM5,000 (in aid) is for those who incurred total loss, and RM2,500 is for tenants and households that incurred partial damages. There are no double standards. It is just that (they are given based on damage) status,” stressed the Menteri Besar.
The Petronas gas pipeline fire, which occurred at 8.10 am on Tuesday, April 1, saw a fireball rising to a column of over 30 metres high, with temperatures reaching 1,000 degrees Celsius. It took nearly eight hours to be fully extinguished by 3.45 pm.
The explosion displaced 1,254 people from 308 families and completely destroyed 87 houses. Another 148 houses were damaged but remained habitable.
Currently, around 630 victims from 157 families are staying at temporary relief shelters at the Putra Heights Mosque and the Subang Jaya City Council’s multipurpose hall, while an additional 624 victims from 151 families are staying with friends and relatives.
Yesterday, Amirudin announced that up to 100 temporary homes will be offered to victims through the SMART Sewa Selangor scheme, with a portion of the rental cost being borne by the state government.
He said the state is currently identifying locations for the temporary accommodation, with the victims expected to move in next week. – April 5, 2025