Wisma Perkeso building in Jalan Selangor, Section 6 in PJ. 16 AUG 2024 —CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Victims of the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire who are PERKESO members will receive compensation under the organisation's invalidity scheme.
The Human Resources Ministry said that PERKESO has identified its members who were affected by the fire and is processing the disbursement of the compensations.
It said members who are involved in the tragedy could also carry out further checks with PERKESO to ascertain if they are entitled or qualify for permanent or temporary disablement under the organisation's invalidity scheme.
They may call PERKESO's hotline at 1-300-22-8000.
The Ministry said that PERKESO has also deployed its Care Squad to provide support to victims at evacuation centres and nine hospitals in the Klang Valley.
"As for those affected by the fire and are unable to report for work, the ministry encourages them to apply for flexible working hours under provisions of the Employment Act. We also urged employers to give good consideration to the difficult situation their staff are undergoing and allow such application for flexi-hours made by them. As for employers of the private sector, we urge them to consider issuing paid compassionate leave to staff affected by the fire so that they can take the time to sort out the loss and damage to their properties," the ministry said.
It said that employers who wish to make further enquiries on the matter should call the Labour Department at 03-88865192.
The ministry also said the Occupational Safety and Hazard Department (DOSH) has also sealed off the site of the gas pipeline fire and commenced its investigations on Wednesday (April 2).
The ministry said DOSH issued six notices and orders to restrict movement at the affected site in an immediate action on Wednesday.
It said those who breach the orders could face a RM500,000 fine or two years imprisonment.
It said DOSH is investigating the case under Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514), which compels employers to provide a safe work environment for employees.
"The ministry extends its sympathies to all those affected by the incident and has deployed all agencies under it to provide support to them," it said.
Earlier, Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said coordinated efforts are being taken to restore electricity to the neighbourhood in Putra Heights affected by the fire.
This will be done together with Tenaga Nasional Berhad.
“We will be evaluating the situation, especially exposed wiring systems.
“We will evaluate whether it is safe or requires further action.
“This will allow electricity to be supplied to the area as soon as possible,” he said.
He said current operations will also assess building structures there, specifically those affected by the fire.
“We will tag which homes are safe to enter and which are not,” he said.
On top of that, there is also a fire team on standby for any potential fires.
Nor Hisham said Fire and Rescue Department teams from Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur and its headquarters, to assist Selangor.
“It will be led by the Fire Investigation Division director.
“An immediate investigation will be held to allow residents to enter their homes quicker,” he said, adding that the team will also create a detailed inventory of the zone, losses and more.
“We do not want to hold the area or houses for too long,” he said.
