Ministry Seeking Housing Solutions For Pipeline Fire Victims

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Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said his ministry is studying housing solutions for victims of the gas pipeline fire in Selangor.
ADSHe said in a statement today that building new houses or repairing the affected houses will take time, and his ministry is looking to speed up the process.
“The Housing and Local Government Ministry welcomes Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s suggestion to collaborate with the Selangor state government and Petronas Berhad to provide housing assistance to victims who lost their homes due to the fire tragedy.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during a visit to the site of the fire, Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Selangor.“An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. However, the Housing and Local Government Ministry is ready to consult with all stakeholders, including the Selangor state government and Petronas, to coordinate housing assistance,” he said.
He went on to thank those involved in handling the fallout from the fire, including the Nurul Iman Puchong Mosque, Putra Heights Mosque, and Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple for sheltering victims regardless of race or religion.
A gas pipeline in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Selangor caught fire yesterday morning, creating a massive blaze visible from several kilometres away.
The initial Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) report stated that the fire was caused by a gas pipeline leak, with an estimated 500m section of the pipeline engulfed in flames.
According to FRD director-general Noor Hisham Mohammad, at about 6pm yesterday, a total of 237 houses were found to have been affected, of which 78 houses and 10 shops have been burnt.
Of the 305 victims, 125 suffered injuries.
Around 4pm, Nor Hisham was quoted by Bernama as saying that it is too early to determine the cause of the fire, amid speculation it was caused by roadworks in the vicinity.
Yesterday, Anwar said Petronas was in talks with the government over temporary measures for the victims.
He announced RM2,500 in immediate relief for the victims, while those whose houses were completely destroyed received RM5,000 for current expenses.
He said repairs for houses damaged by the fire might take a year or more. - Mkini

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