PETALING JAYA: The remaining 60 families comprising 200 members, who sought shelter at Masjid Putra Heights after the gas pipeline blast on April 1, have moved out following the closure of the relief centre.
While a dozen families had left on Saturday, the remaining families began moving out as early as 8am yesterday with the assistance of government agencies and volunteers.
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The centre was officially closed at 2pm.
The displaced families were offered to move to homestay accommodation, which they could book through Airbnb with the cost borne by the state government.
Lorry driver Arip Mohammad, 54, whose house was razed by the fire moved out with his wife and three young children at noon.
He said the Airbnb accommodation was for a month before all affected families secure a rented house.
“We were told to download the Airbnb application and pick the homestay of our choice. I have yet to do so but I have registered my particulars,” he said.
“I need to search for a house nearby as my three children will need to go to school.
“To date, we have received aid but I hope the government will keep its promise in providing us with a rented house as announced by the Selangor Mentri Besar.”
Nik Rosli Mohd Yusof, 40, whose house was burned down, was spotted loading his car with his belongings.
He said the displaced residents were allowed to pick a homestay that included meals.
He hopes to secure an accommodation within the township as his three children, aged below 10, attend a school nearby.
“If I am unable to find one, I may need to temporarily put up with my relatives,” said Nik Rosli, who is self-employed.
Sungai Buloh village head Rohaisyam Mohd Jombry, who was at the mosque to assist the residents, said the homestay was a “transit” accommodation before they moved into rented properties while their houses are being repaired or rebuilt.
“They will be given rented houses for six months which they may choose while they wait for their houses to be fixed,” he said.
“We are confident the houses can be repaired or rebuilt within six months.”
Residents who lost their cars to the fire were also provided with vehicles that were loaned to them for free by a car manufacturer and car rental companies.
A majority of the families who took shelter at the relief centres in Masjid Putra Heights and Dewan Camelia were displaced from two nearby villages, namely Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru and Kampung Tengah.
The Dewan Camelia relief centre was closed on April 9.
