SUBANG JAYA: Special care should be provided to Putra Heights gas pipeline fire burn victims of advanced years and those with underlying health issues, says the Tunku Temenggong of Kedah.
Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, who is Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) chairman, said these were among the concerns expressed by the families of the recent Putra Heights gas pipeline fire victims.
"They are concerned, particularly for their parents, because many of them are diabetic and the burns will be harder to heal.
"I think this group of victims needs special care," Her Highness Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz told reporters after visiting the temporary relief centre at the Putra Heights Mosque here on Wednesday (April 9).
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She noted that the young victims she met were more resilient in facing the challenges ahead.
"Children are naturally resilient, but I think those who are most vulnerable, such as the elderly and special-needs persons, need to be looked at as individuals and not as a whole group.
"Help has to be tailor-made for each person," she added.
As of Tuesday (April 8), a total of 39 out of the 150 victims involved in the gas pipeline fire tragedy in Putra Heights were still receiving treatment at hospitals and clinics.
The Health Ministry said that 17 victims were being treated at government hospitals and 22 others at private facilities, including one in the intensive care unit (ICU).
A total of 111 patients have been discharged.
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Meanwhile, Her Highness Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz said villagers who lost their homes or were forced to evacuate should be given the option to rebuild their homes in Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru.
"Some of them want to stay as they are from there and want to remain in their traditional kampung.
"There are also some tenants in the village who are more flexible and don't mind moving.
"Consideration should be given to those who like to stay, and if so, how," she added.
On April 1, a gas pipeline fire broke out at a neighbourhood in Putra Heights resulting in flames soaring over 30m high with temperatures reaching 1,000°C and took nearly eight hours to be extinguished.
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Earlier, Her Highness Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz presented victims with MRC aid packages comprising donations from several private companies.
She spent about an hour meeting with the affected families.
She said those living at the relief centre were satisfied with the help provided by the various agencies and groups.
However, many still suffered from an acute sense of despair as to why the tragedy befell them.
"There is frustration as to why this happened, why at all?" she said.
