SUBANG JAYA: Provide special care for the elderly gas burn victims and those with underlying health issues, says Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah.
The Tunku Temenggong of Kedah, who is Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) chairperson, said this is among the concerns expressed by several families of burn victims following the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights.
“Some of them are worried for their elderly parents who are diabetic as the burn wound will take a longer time to heal.
“I think these victims need special care,” Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz told reporters after visiting the temporary relief centre at the Putra Heights mosque yesterday.
Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz said young victims whom she met are more resilient in facing the challenges.
“I think the elderly and those with special needs are the most vulnerable groups.
“Help has to be tailored to each person,” the Tunku Temenggong of Kedah added.
As of Tuesday, 39 out of the 150 victims of the gas pipeline fire were still receiving treatment at hospitals and clinics.
The Health Ministry said 17 victims were being treated at government hospitals and 22 others at private facilities, including one in the intensive care unit.
A total of 111 patients have since been discharged.
Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz said Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru villagers who lost their homes or forced to evacuate should be given the option to rebuild their houses.
“Some of them want to remain in their traditional kampung.
“There are also villagers who don’t mind moving elsewhere,” said Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz.
On April 1, a gas pipeline fire broke out in Putra Heights resulting in flames soaring over 30m high with temperatures reaching 1,000°C.
The fire took nearly eight hours to be extinguished.
A total of 87 houses have since been declared “total loss” while 148 others are deemed safe and can be re-occupied after repair works.
Earlier, Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz presented victims with MRC aid packages, comprising donations from several private companies, and spent about an hour meeting affected families.
Meanwhile, those living at the temporary shelters have expressed satisfaction at the help provided by various agencies and groups.
