All smiles: Sim (centre) posing for a photo with the guests at the Hari Raya open house at Menara PERKESO in Jalan Ampang. Looking on is Dr Mohammed Azman (in red). — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Victims of the gas pipeline fire at Putra Heights are eligible to apply for rehabilitation equipment assistance, says the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO).
Its group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said 24 of 46 victims are eligible to apply for the aid based on preliminary checks by PERKESO.
He said the initial screening was conducted among the first group of victims who were admitted to private hospitals and clinics around the Klang Valley following the April 1 tragedy.
He added that further assessments will cover the remaining 88 victims who are currently receiving treatment at government hospitals in Kuala Lumpur, Serdang, Selayang, Shah Alam, and Klang.
“It is understood that 134 individuals were affected by the incident in Putra Heights. As such, PERKESO has carried out preliminary checks on 46 of them, while we await official information from government hospitals for the rest,” he said.
Dr Mohammad Azman said based on the initial checks it was found that 24 victims are eligible to apply for rehabilitation equipment, as provided under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4).
“If they require such equipment, they may apply directly, and PERKESO is ready to assist in obtaining the necessary support and rehabilitation treatment,” he said.
Dr Mohammed Azman also added that PERKESO is also prepared to assist with claims processes for contributors under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) who were affected while working.
It is also extended as well as for those under the Housewives’ Social Security Scheme (SKSSR) who were injured in the incident.
He emphasised that PERKESO is deeply concerned about the plight of the victims, with its Skuad PERKESO Prihatin in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur having been on-site on the day of the incident and continuing to visit victims in hospital to monitor their condition.
“We are also ready to support all victims through the Social Synergy Programme by providing information to other agencies to ensure they receive appropriate aid.
“PERKESO expresses its deepest sympathies to all those affected and prays that they remain strong in the face of this great adversity,” he said.
Earlier on the same day, crowds thronged the Hari Raya open house at Menara PERKESO in Jalan Ampang here yesterday that took on the theme Manisnya Syawal.
The celebration was also attended by the Human Resources Minister Steven Sim and the ministry’s officials.
