Putra Heights inferno: Victims seek extension of temporary aids

The Star

5 days ago

Houses and cars destroyed by the gas pipeline inferno at Putra Heights. – CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Victims affected by the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights are hoping the temporary aids be extended, as some has recently expired.
This includes aids for rental homes, cars and motorcycles provided by various parties.
Two months after the incident on April 1, some victims are now in a tight spot as they are required to return the aid.
Mohamad Nasir Ab Hamid, 69, a resident of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru said his family is currently staying in a small house near their original home with rental support for three months while waiting for their house to be repaired.
"My house was deemed a total loss, with an estimated repair cost of RM150,000, but to this day, the appointed contractor has yet to begin work,' he told Bernama on Monday (June 2).
Mohamad Nasir said he understands that it will take time, as many other homes were also destroyed in the incident.
"When the contractor starts the repairs, I want to see how they will go about it. We've yet to be informed how the process will be carried out,' he said.
Mohamad Nasir said the temporary vehicle he received after the incident was returned last month when the loan period ended.
"We're not looking for luxury - just a car that can serve our everyday needs,' said the father of nine.
His wife, Aliyah Ismail, 55, said she was grateful for the assistance received but hoped that cash compensation would also be provided to help victims, especially those left homeless.
Previously a catering business operator, she now sells traditional cakes and snacks, earning between RM20 and RM30 a day, in addition to financial support from her children.
Aliyah said so far, her family has only been informed of assistance for home repairs.
"As of now, we haven't heard anything about compensation - only about home repairs. Compensation should be given. We have no money, no income. Rental is expensive.
"Goods are expensive too, and to restart my catering business, I need to buy a lot of supplies and equipment because everything was destroyed in the fire,' she said.
The gas pipeline inferno on April 1 saw flames reaching over 30m high, with temperatures soaring to 1,000 degrees Celsius.
It took nearly eight hours to fully extinguish the blaze.
Eighty-one homes were completely destroyed with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, another 81 were partially damaged, 57 were affected by heat but not burned, while 218 homes remained unscathed. — Bernama