PETALING JAYA: Proactive measures are being studied to aid victims whose homes were affected by the fire in Putra Heights on Tuesday (April 1), says the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
Minister Nga Kor Ming expressed a commitment to finding the right mechanism to help victims resolve their housing issues.
"While investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, the ministry is ready to engage with all stakeholders, including the Selangor state government and Petronas, to address housing matters," he said in a statement on Wednesday (April 2).
According to the minister, victims who lost their homes are being placed at Masjid Nurul Iman in Puchong and a temporary relief centre at the Masjid Putra Heights multipurpose hall.
"Rebuilding the homes will take time, and the ministry is actively studying proactive steps to expedite this process. Our priority is to ensure affected families receive the necessary support in repairing or completely rebuilding their homes," said Nga.
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Nga also expressed appreciation for frontliners, including teams from the Fire and Rescue Department, for their handling of the fire.
He also thanked mosque officials and those from the Sri Maha Kaliamman temple who assisted victims.
On Tuesday (April 1), an inferno broke out in Putra Heights on Jalan Putra Harmoni, with residents scrambling to safety as it grew to several storeys and blasted sand and gravel kilometres away.
A total of 237 homes were affected, resulting in 305 victims.
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At the scene on Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Federal and State governments, as well as PETRONAS, will be responsible for repairing and replacing damaged houses.
He said cash aid will be provided to victims of the inferno at Putra Heights.
According to Anwar, those whose homes were completely destroyed will receive RM5,000 in assistance, while homeowners whose properties sustained damage will receive RM2,500.
"If there is a need, the government will consider increasing it," said Anwar.
