SHAH ALAM: A total of 87 houses affected by the gas pipeline explosion and fire in Putra Heights have been deemed unfit for occupation after sustaining severe damage, says Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
"Apart from those, 148 affected houses that sustained damage can be occupied after repairs," he told a press conference at the state secretariat here on Thursday (April 3).
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On a related matter, he said state police chief Comm Datuk Hussein Omar Khan will head the investigation of the incident.
According to Amirudin, there would be two aspects to the investigation.
"Firstly, to see if there are any elements of criminality, negligence, or natural causes. This investigation will be carried out by the Royal Malaysia Police.
"Secondly, regarding the technical investigation at ‘ground zero’, the Occupational Safety and Health Department (DOSH) under the Public Works Department will begin a technical search at the site," he added.
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He said initial findings of the investigation will be revealed on Friday (April 4), with updates relayed as the probe progresses.
Amirudin also said a total of 308 families comprising 1,254 victims have been identified and registered with the Social Welfare Department.
He added that two victims were in the intensive care units of Hospital Ampang and Hospital Kuala Lumpur with respiratory problems caused by smoke inhalation.
According to Amirudin, 630 victims from 157 families were currently staying at two temporary relief centres.
"The remaining 624 victims from 151 families are not staying at the centres but with relatives or friends, or have made their own arrangements," he added.
