As temporary aid expires, gas line fire victims plead for extension

Free Malaysia Today

2 days ago

Eighty-one homes were destroyed in the April 1 fire, with structural damage exceeding 40%. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : Victims of the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire are hoping that temporary aid like rental homes and vehicles previously provided by various parties can be extended as some of the assistance expired recently.
Two months after the incident on April 1, some victims are in a quandary as they are required to return the temporary homes, cars and motorcycles given to them.
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 when met at the housing estate today.
Nasir said the temporary vehicle he received was also returned last month after the loan period ended.
'For daily errands, if I need a car, I use my Kancil that I've slowly repaired bit by bit. We're not looking for luxury, just a car that can serve our everyday needs,' said the father of nine.
Nasir said his family is trying to carry on with life as usual for now, understanding that repairs to their home will take time as many other houses were also affected.
His wife, Aliyah Ismail, 55, said she was grateful for the aid given to them but hopes 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 to help cover daily expenses, in addition to financial support from her children.
'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 fire saw flames soaring over 30m high with temperatures reaching 1,000 degrees Celsius. Firemen took nearly eight hours to fully extinguish the blaze.
Eighty-one homes were destroyed, with structural damage exceeding 40%. Another 81 houses were partially damaged, and 57 homes were affected but not burned.