IN the aftermath of the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire that damaged homes and vehicles, engineer Alif Aiman Zainal Abiddin, 23, says he is still at loss over where his family is going to live once they leave the temporary relief centre at Masjid Putra Heights.
“My parents’ house is in Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, Puchong, and I have been living there since I was 15.
“Previously, our house was also affected during the December 2021 floods and now we have to deal with damage from the fire.”
Alif Aiman said he was in Kelantan for the Hari Raya celebration and his friends texted him that his house was affected.
“I rushed home last Friday and noticed the roof of our house was badly damaged. We need to get that fixed.
“We are waiting for the Fire and Rescue Department to allow us to return home to carry out the repair works which could cost RM40,000,” he said.
Alif Aiman said his employer had given him a week off and he would return to work next week.
“Even to rent a home, it is not easy as demand is high here.”
During his stay at the mosque, Alif Aiman said he had been passing time with his nieces and nephews by playing games borrowed from the Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Selangor (PPAS) van.
The mobile library is currently parked at a corner of the mosque compound, to cater to the fire victims.
PPAS assistant librarians Firdaus Yahya and Nik Azmani Hussin are among the staff who manage the mobile library.
“We allow them to borrow as many books as they want and return them when they are done,” said Firdaus.
“We also have games such as chess, mini carrom and congkak.
“We are in a more secluded area but we have been receiving visitors,” he added.
