Kamaljit (right) with his wife Jasminder (second from right) and their two children at the hospital. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON and CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
Selangor govt urged to alleviate suffering of Putra Heights residents
THE medical cost for some victims of the Putra Heights gas inferno in Subang Jaya is more than they can handle.
Those affected are appealling for the Selangor government to step in.
Among them is Kamaljit Singh and his family. While his two children and his medical costs are borne by insurance, his mother is not covered.
“She underwent one surgery and suffered a mild heart attack,” he told StarMetro at a hospital in Subang Jaya.
Kamaljit said his mother would require twice-weekly hospital visits for at least six months.
He said he was also in constant pain and required painkillers, including morphine, just to function daily.
According to Kamaljit, all of those who sustainted injuries in the April 1 gas pipeline explosion sustained second- and third-degree burns.
He added that some of those hospitalised have severe injuries, including one woman with burned hands and a mother and daughter who are unable to walk.
Kamaljit’s wife, Jasminder Kaur, said a meeting on April 21 between the three affected RAs and state representatives focused more on technical restoration of buildings rather than residents’ well-being.
Adding to their financial burden, the family’s car insurance no-claim discount (NCD) was affected.
The barricade at the entrance leading to the site of the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights.
Two of their cars were damaged and another was a total loss.
They said their house insurance policy does not cover damage from industrial gas line fires.
“Why should we bear losses from a disaster that wasn’t our fault?” they asked.
Jasminder stressed the need for an official platform for accurate and consistent information, noting discrepancies in damage assessment lists from different agencies.
“Agencies need to coordinate and properly assess the damage,” she added.
Kamaljit said several agencies are reassessing cases of residents initially omitted from damage lists.
Another resident, who wanted to be known as Faisal, shared the hardship faced by those without medical insurance or who have exhausted the claims allowed under their policies.
His wife and daughter each underwent three skin surgeries costing RM55,000.
He and his two sons incurred a total of RM2,000 in medical expenses.
“Some of the charges weren’t covered by insurance because certain skin medications are categorised as supplements,” he said.
Faisal also recounted being denied entry to the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) as he did not have prior approval and being directed elsewhere.
“We didn’t choose this. It’s been emotionally exhausting. I have a family to care for,” he said.
He added that they are currently relying on their RA to deal with the state government.
Faisal also suggested the authorities establish a direct and coordinated communication platform for victims.
When contacted, Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) Zone 16 councillor Lee Jen Uyin said it is providing support to the victims of the inferno.
She added that victims needing free counselling or social support can contact the Selangor Counselling Centre (PKS) at 03-5519 0500 for appointments or information.
