Still no update on cash aid say Putra Heights fire victims

KUALA LUMPUR – Residents affected by the gas pipeline explosion in the Putra Heights area of Subang Jaya city, Selangor, are asking for updates on the RM2,000 (S$600) monthly rental aid promised by the state government.

Selangor Chief Minister Amirudin Shari had announced that victims would get RM2,000 monthly, for up to six months, to cover rent for temporary housing.

He said this involved funds amounting to RM7.36 million for 613 households. The list of recipients and the mechanisms for aid disbursement were supposed to be announced by the second week of April.

Mr Mudzaffar Ismail, 33, said affected residents like him were still awaiting further details about the aid.

“We were told that there would be updates last week but there have been none till now,” he said, adding that he and his wife had relocated to his parents’ home in Sungai Buloh town.

“We don’t know where to apply and when to expect payments.”

Mr Mudzaffar said the one-off cash assistance from Petronas and the Selangor government, though helpful, was insufficient to cover rental and other costs.

Petronas had disbursed RM5,000 to home owners whose homes were completely destroyed, while home owners whose properties were partially damaged and those who were renters received RM2,500 each.

Similarly, the federal government gave RM5,000 to home owners whose homes were completely destroyed; those whose properties were partially damaged and those who were renters received RM2,500 each.

Another resident, Mr Fazli Shukor, said his family had moved back to their home in Putra Heights and was currently occupying the ground floor.

The father of four said he has engaged a contractor and that work would start soon to repair the damaged roof and ceiling on the floor above.

“We welcome the RM2,000 monthly rental aid and hope payments can be expedited as