Help or shut up, Loke tells critics of DAP pipeline disaster fund

Summary

• DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke berates those questioning DAP for setting up a fund to help victims of the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire.

• He says it is a “big sin” to condemn those who are trying to help.

• The transport minister adds that the fund was created due to public demand.

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has berated those who questioned DAP for setting up a fund to help those affected by the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya.

“If you’re condemning those who are trying to help, it’s a big sin.

“It’s better for them to use their energy to find ways to help… if you can’t help, just keep quiet,” he told reporters after an event organised by Berjaya Corporation Bhd, where Carsome also delivered 50 cars to those affected.

Also present were Berjaya founder Vincent Tan, Carsome CEO Eric Cheng, Carsome managing director Chris Ang, Carsome head of business Aaron Kee, and Selangor state executive councillor Ng Sze Han.

Earlier, Loke was asked by reporters on the criticisms levelled by certain quarters on why DAP, being part of the government, is not dishing out government aid directly but setting up a fund instead.

“The person (who made the argument) has no brain… they are even criticising people who want to help those affected by a mishap,” he remarked.

Individuals looking to help

Elaborating, the transport minister said that while the government and private sectors have their responsibilities to help out, private individuals are seeking ways to help in their individual capacity.

Loke added that many DAP supporters have reached out on the matter, which led to the party setting up the fund.

“Some may want to donate RM50 or RM100. Big companies can give aid directly to those affected, but private individuals… they also want to help, but in a smaller capacity.

“Don’t tell me they have to come (to the site) to give RM5 or RM10 per person? That’s why they asked us to set up a fund to ease the process,” he said.

A major fire involving a Petronas gas line at 8.10am on Tuesday (April 1) saw flames rise to a height of more than 30m with temperatures reaching 1,000 degrees Celsius, transforming the landscape of the area into a large crater.

On April 3, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said 87 houses and premises have been declared a “total loss” while 148 other homes can be inhabited after repairs.

Amirudin said 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.

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