Focus on Putra Heights fire victims first, debate later: Amirudin

Summary

• Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari says there is no need to convene the state assembly now to debate the April 1 gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya.

• Amirudin said the priority now is to ensure victims receive the necessary aid while investigations into the incident are being conducted.

• He also denies there are attempts to scapegoat certain parties.

Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari has dismissed calls for the state assembly to convene to discuss the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya.

Stressing that the priority now is to address the needs of those affected by the April 1 incident, Amirudin said debates on the matter can be held when the state assembly convenes for its scheduled sitting in July.

“Now is not the time for debates in the honourable Dewan, now is the time to solve this safety issue.

“When the session convenes in July, we will have an opportunity to discuss the incident in a more comfortable and orderly manner then,” he told a press conference after chairing a meeting with the state’s disaster management committee.

Amirudin also denied allegations claiming that government officials are pinning the blame for the fire on certain quarters, emphasising that pointing fingers at this juncture would not do any good.

“As I have said, consistent with what the prime minister has conveyed, we will wait for investigations to be carried out.

“Within the first three days (of probes), we should get some sort of signal as to who we will have to summon. We are on that timeline and I firmly deny (claims that) we are accusing any party of wrongdoing,” he added.

Yesterday, Selangor opposition leader Azmin Ali urged Amirudin to convene the state assembly for a special session to discuss the Putra Heights fire.

Azmin also called on the state government to review all development projects near the gas pipeline that caught fire, noting that the incident raises questions about the level of compliance and safety enforcements at construction sites.

‘Give space for comprehensive probe’

Meanwhile, Amirudin said today that a daily press conference will be held by relevant authorities to update the public on matters surrounding the incident, particularly regarding investigations into alleged wrongdoing and initiatives for victims.

He noted that the current investigations headed by police and aided by other relevant departments are focused on two aspects, namely technical considerations and alleged criminal negligence.

“We are aware of the video clips, reports, and information circulated online. (Police) will be contacting all parties involved in the matter to verify details which could aid in investigations,” he said.

“Let’s give space for the investigation to be done in a comprehensive manner, following which we will present it in detail so that no one escapes responsibility and we can better our procedures for future events.”

The April 1 fire, which broke out at 8.10am, caused widespread destruction to homes and vehicles within the vicinity of the incident site while creating a massive blaze visible from several kilometres away.

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