Bersatu MP: Channel funds for Aidilfitri bash to Putra Heights victims

Summary

• Bersatu MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal urges the government to cancel or postpone the 2025 Madani Aidilfitri celebration.

• He says the government should prioritise assisting the victims instead of holding a lavish celebration.

Bersatu lawmaker Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal has urged the government to cancel or postpone the nationwide 2025 Madani Aidilfitri Celebration in light of the recent tragedy in Putra Heights.

The Machang MP argued that the millions of ringgit allocated for the event should instead be directed toward aiding the victims of the gas pipeline fire.

“The blaze has injured dozens and destroyed homes, property, and the livelihoods of local residents. In such a dire situation, the government should prioritise assisting the victims instead of holding a lavish celebration funded by public money,” said the Machang MP.

Wan Fayhsal also criticised the RM5,000 cash aid allocated for disaster victims, calling it grossly inadequate.

He pointed out that the amount barely covers essential expenses such as home repairs, replacement of vital belongings, or ongoing medical treatment.

“This is not about giving ‘consolation money’ - it is about restoring the lives of those affected. Spending millions of ringgit on an official Aidilfitri celebration while only allocating RM5,000 to tragedy victims is an insult to their suffering.

“Aidilfitri should be a day of victory and gratitude - but how can we celebrate in luxury while people who have just lost their loved ones are forced to sleep in temporary shelters?” he asked.

Prioritise people’s suffering

With the estimated cost of the event ranging between RM10 million and RM20 million, Wan Fayhsal suggested that the funds be better used to repair victims’ homes, provide medical and mental health support, offer substantial cash assistance to families who have lost their income, and ensure safe and comfortable temporary shelters.

The Bersatu supreme council member also called for the formation of a special parliamentary committee to investigate the incident’s cause and oversee relief and recovery efforts.

“The government must realise that the real priority is not political optics but the people’s suffering. The people do not need grand tents and famous artists — they need care, efficiency, and social justice.

“Aidilfitri should be a moment of reflection, not an extravagant waste,” he added.

Malacca will be the first of eight states to host the Madani Aidilfitri 2025 celebration. It will also be held in Selangor on April 6, Pahang (April 11), Kelantan and Penang (April 12), Sarawak (April 19), Perak (April 25) and Perlis (April 27).

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