KUALA LUMPUR: A thorough inspection and safety level assessment will be made on every building damaged in the gas pipeline fire at Jalan Putra Harmoni, Putra Heights Subang Jaya, Selangor.
Selangor police chief Datuk Hussien Omar Khan said inspections would be carried out by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department before residents are allowed to return home.
"The inspection will identify the level of damage, which houses residents can return to and those that are unsafe," he told reporters at the scene control post here on Tuesday (April 1).
Hussien also said residents whose houses were not as badly affected were allowed to return home temporarily to collect essential items such as documents and medicines from 6.30pm.
"We allowed two representatives from each house to go home and take their important belongings. But for now, none of the residents (involved in the fire) are allowed to stay at home," he said.
Hussein said although no reports of looting so far, police would closely monitor the affected areas and station policemen on every road in the residential area.
"The fire brigade will also be on standby for the next 20 hours," he said.
Hussein said so far, there were a total of 364 victims from 74 families housed in two temporary evacuation centres at the Putra Heights Mosque and the Subang Jaya City Council multi-purpose hall.
"I would also like to repeat the Health Ministry's advice that those who have symptoms from 'hydrocarbon hazard' such as sore throats and coughing should immediately get a health screening.
"Those with families or acquaintances believed to be involved in this incident but cannot be contacted are urged to contact the Subang Jaya district police headquarters at 03-7862 7100," he said. – Bernama
