87 Homes Premises Suffer Total Loss In Putra Heights Disaster

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A total of 87 houses and premises involved in the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, have been declared a “total loss”, said Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.
Addressing a press conference today after chairing a meeting with the state’s disaster management committee, Amirudin said the identified lots were found to be completely uninhabitable due to damages sustained during the fire, which occurred on April 1.
“A total of 148 other homes suffered damages as well, but can be inhabited after undergoing repairs and improvement processes,” he said.
He noted that 85 homes have been deemed safe by the Fire and Rescue Department and other utility agencies, with families allowed to return to the houses today after electricity and water supplies were resumed.
Commenting on the previously announced aid initiatives for the fire victims, Amirudin said the financial assistance is expected to be dispersed beginning next Monday (April 7).
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had earlier announced RM2,500 as immediate relief for those whose houses have been damaged by the inferno, and RM5,000 for those whose houses have been completely destroyed.
Further announcements on April 6 or 7
Meanwhile, Amriduin said he will be meeting with representatives from relevant parties, including pipeline-owner Petronas, to discuss the next stage of aid that can be offered to affected victims.
Such aid, he said, covers temporary housing for victims whose homes were destroyed in the blaze. 
Noting that there are several implementation formulas which the meeting will address before finalising the matter, Amirudin said an announcement on the initiative could come on April 6 or the following day. 
“My office was contacted by private companies such as Airbnb, who have offered a free-of-charge temporary housing solution for victims before a long-term housing arrangement is determined,” he added.
Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin ShariAmirudin said a total of 308 families involving 1,254 victims have been identified following their registration with the Social Welfare Department. Out of the figure, 630 victims from 157 families are currently housed in two temporary relief centres. 
“The remaining 624 victims from 151 families are not staying in the centres as they have opted to stay with relatives or friends,” he added. 
He also said that the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) is currently assessing the total amount of destruction inflicted by the blaze to determine the extent of damage to the economy and properties.
The April 1 fire, which broke out at 8.10am, caused widespread destruction within a 500m radius from the incident site, creating a crater 32 feet (about 10m) deep and covering an area of approximately 70x80 feet (21x24m).
The blaze resulted in towering flames, intense heat, and debris that destroyed rows of houses and properties, including vehicles.

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