MB: 307 homes cleared for reoccupation so far
SUBANG JAYA: A mega clean-up operation in areas affected by the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights has been launched.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the two-day operation, covering Putra Harmoni, Putra Heights, and the neighbouring Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, began yesterday.
It involved a large number of volunteers and personnel from various government agencies and other institutions.
“A major part of our focus is currently on Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, especially for clean-up works in public areas and residents’ homes that were affected by the fire. Cleanup in Putra Heights started earlier after police granted access to the area,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Working together: Amirudin (second from left) meeting volunteers after launching the cleanup operation at Arena MBSJ, Subang Jaya. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
According to Amirudin, 264 vehicles and machinery, including water jetter trucks, water tankers, roll-on roll-off trucks, backhoe machines, road sweepers, wood chippers, and skylifts, were used in the integrated operation carried out in collaboration with various parties.
He said so far, 307 homes have been cleared for reoccupation, and more are expected to be ready for residents soon after the cleaning process is completed.
“We will begin focusing on renting homes and repairing affected houses next week, based on the commitment we’ve received from the Federal Government,” he said.
Commenting on claims that more cleaning attention was given to the Putra Harmoni area compared to Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, he explained that the cleanup could only begin at the village after police granted permission a few days ago.
“The housing structures in that area are also not as organised as those in standard housing estates developed according to specifications, so it requires additional effort and more time to carry out,” he said, Bernama reported.
Team effort: Volunteers cleaning an affected area in Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru. — Bernama
Amirudin expressed appreciation for the strong spirit of cooperation shown by volunteers, especially young people from Selangor who were willing to lend a hand even during the festive season.
Meanwhile, CHARLES RAMENDRAN reported that the clean-up operation involved some 4,600 civil servants and volunteers.
The Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) said the cleanup was carried out in four sectors declared as safe for movement by the Fire and Rescue Department and Public Works Department (JKR).
The council said that the two-day initiative was launched by Amirudin yesterday morning.
It said that apart from MBSJ staff members and volunteers, employees from the state secretariat, Petaling Land Office, police, the Armed Forces, the Fire and Rescue Department, JKR, KDEB Waste Management, the National Solid Waste Management Department, the Selangor Sports Council, and 11 other local councils were involved in the initiative.
Ongoing operation: Workers felling burnt trees at Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru.
The council said among the works undertaken by the volunteers were cleaning roads, back lanes, and house compounds; removal of debris and damaged household items; felling of razed or dead trees; and the cleaning of mud and silt on the walls of the affected houses.
Malaysia Impactive Volunteer Community president Isham Kassim, whose group of 40 civilian volunteers took part in the operation, said they helped remove damaged items disposed of by residents.
“It went on smoothly, but the weather was extremely hot and the affected area was dusty, which could be quite unhealthy. We had to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The area was quite vast,” he said.
Isham said he had come from Kuala Terengganu to join the initiative and has taken part in over 75 such humanitarian efforts with his group previously.
MBSJ said the gotong-royong initiative will continue today.
