Putra Heights aid: S’gor to raise RM500k through salary deductions

Summary

• Selangor MB Amirudin Shari announces that state reps, civil servants, and exco members would contribute part of their salaries to raise RM500,000 for Putra Heights gas fire victims via the Selangor Prihatin Fund.

• He says immediate aid has been disbursed to 219 households; clean-up efforts and temporary housing support are underway.

• Evacuation centres are being closed as residents return home or are relocated.

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As a show of solidarity for victims of the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire, Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari announced that state assemblypersons and top civil servants would have a portion of their pay channelled towards a relief fund.

The goal is to raise at least RM500,000 for the Selangor Prihatin Fund.

“For this purpose, state executive council members will contribute RM1,000 from their salaries, all state assemblypersons - including from the opposition - RM200, and civil servants in Grade 48 and above RM50, which will be used to assist in the recovery process planned by the state government,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

According to the report, Amirudin said 270 houses have been confirmed safe and ready for occupancy, and homeowners are also allowed to carry out minor repairs immediately.

The state government will hold discussions with the Housing and Local Government Ministry on Monday to discuss the recovery of the affected homes.

“For homes with minor issues, we will determine the repair process.

“If the damage is not significant, a standard contribution will be provided to them, which will be implemented by the Recovery Committee,” he was quoted as saying.

1k volunteers

In addition, a clean-up operation will be carried out in the affected areas this weekend with the support of about 1,000 volunteers.

On April 6, it was reported that 219 homes were damaged as a result of the fire on April 2.

Meanwhile, Amirudin said 219 out of 469 heads of affected households have received the immediate assistance that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on April 1.

The Petaling District Office is still finalising the verification of the affected individuals and the process is expected to be completed by this Friday.

Housing options

As for the temporary evacuation centre at Dewan Camelia, Amirudin said it would be closed at 10pm today after being used to house 60 people from 16 affected families.

This was because of the aid provided by the government, with several families being allowed to return home.

“The state government has started offering housing options such as Airbnb and rental assistance. The process of relocating residents from the temporary evacuation centre to the offered units has begun.

“The operations of the Masjid Putra Heights temporary evacuation centre, which currently accommodates 87 families, are expected to end this Sunday,” he reportedly told a press conference at the Selangor state secretariat building.

Amirudin added that the Selangor Islamic Religious Council would provide food baskets for the families, saying that they would be enough for a month.

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