The gas pipeline explosion at Putra Heights on April 1 destroyed many homes and vehicles. — Filepic
Victims struggling to service loans for houses, destroyed vehicles
IT has been almost two months since a gas pipeline explosion rocked Putra Heights in Subang Jaya but several affected residents are still waiting for aid that was promised to them.
These include the RM2,000 a month from the Selangor government to cover rental for up to six months, RM500 in schooling aid from the Education Ministry and access to a car for personal use.
The April 1 explosion destroyed 81 homes, badly damaged 57 and partially damaged 81.
Resident Dr Muhammad Azam Mokhtar said many homeowners had to rent elsewhere.
“We were told that the Selangor government would disburse the first three months’ rental assistance in a lump sum but there has been no update.”
On April 30, it was reported that RM2.73mil in rental assistance has been allocated for 455 families affected by the disaster.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the number was an increase from the previously reported 396 families, following several requests, applications and ongoing investigations by the authorities.
“The rent will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of the affected families.”
Amirudin stated that 214 families had received the aid, while they were waiting for verification of bank accounts, identity cards and other related documents for the remaining number.
Dr Muhammad Azam said they were also told the gas pipeline will resume operations soon.
“We are in the dark about what safety measures will be in place,” he said.
Fellow resident Nazrul Abd Aziz said many who lost their vehicles in the blast lacked transport after the expiration of the free car scheme.
According to media report, several automobile manufacturers had offered victims free use of a car for a month.
Nazrul said now that the period had expired, they had to pay between RM1,000 and RM3,000 a month to extend the car rental.
“This is causing us financial strain as we still have to pay loan instalments for our destroyed cars.”
The father of two also questioned plans to rebuild the damaged homes.
It was reported that Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB) would undertake repairs of homes that were completely destroyed.
Nazrul said owners were told that repairs would not involve wiring and utilities installation.
