PETALING JAYA: The estimated repairs and restoration for the damaged houses in the gas pipeline blast in Putra Heights will cost up to hundreds of thousands of ringgit for each property, according to an insurance adjuster.
Malayan Adjustment Company Sdn Bhd (MAC) chief executive officer Ramakrishnan Kervsseben said based on a preliminary report, the estimated cost to restore each of the damaged houses ranged between several thousand ringgit and hundreds of thousands of ringgit.
“While several houses merely saw damaged fittings, such as shattered glass windows due to the vibration and shockwaves from the blast, others sustained structural damage, which would cost a lot more to repair,” he said, adding that the company was appointed by six insurance companies to carry out assessments of the houses.
He said although it is a tedious process, damage evaluation reports on the affected houses are being prepared promptly for submission to the insurance companies to expedite the disbursement of compensation for the victims.
Ramakrishnan said despite facing limitations such as entry restrictions imposed by the authorities due to safety concerns, the company’s adjusters have managed to carry out assessments on about 15 houses over the past three days.
He said in a show of empathy and compassion, insurance companies are offering waivers, concessions and many free services on top of compensation payouts.
“To help ease the difficulties faced by their clients, some companies have maintained the no-claim discount, keeping it intact even though claims were made for damaged vehicles.
“Also offered were fast-track claims up to RM50,000 to eligible clients without the need for supporting documents from the authorities,” Ramakrishnan said.
At the Putra Heights mosque relief centre, several insurance companies set up booths to assist victims with claims for their vehicles and damaged houses.
The insurance companies are also offering free towing and cleaning services, independent safety inspections for both vehicles and houses and free contractor arrangements.
