Photos: AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
SUBANG JAYA: Following the devastating April 1 Putra Heights gas pipeline fire incident that shocked the nation, 18 families have been given the keys to their fully repaired and rebuilt homes in Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming handed over the keys as part of the ministry's Sentuhan Kejayaan Programme in Putra Heights on Thursday (Dec 4).
He said this was part of the government's recovery initiative and swift action through Syarikat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB) to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected residents.
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SPNB was appointed the implementing agency for the repair and new construction of the 17 homes, involving an allocation of almost RM5mil from the National Housing Disaster Trust Fund.
"As of the end of November, SPNB successfully rebuilt and repaired 15 units of houses for Putra Heights fire victims in Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru within six months," Nga said in his speech.
He added that the owners of the three remaining units are in the process of completing the necessary documentation.
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"To the victims, the government is always with you. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide the necessary support.
"Hopefully, the new houses received today can give you a better and more prosperous life," he said.
Additionally, Nga also announced that SPNB had successfully exceeded the original target in the 12th Malaysia Plan of building 23,000 People-Friendly Housing (RMR) units up to this year, with an allocation of RM1.92bil.
The government then increased the allocation to RM2.13bil to build 26,272 RMR units to meet the needs of the low-income group, he added
“As of October, a total of 74,957 RMR units had been completed nationwide.
"For next year, I am pleased to announce that SPNB will build 6,545 RMR units with an allocation of RM500mil.
"This will give more opportunities to the B40 group to own a home and improve their quality of life," he said.
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He added that SPNB has also introduced the MyRMR application, which will facilitate RMR Programme transactions through four main modules: Applicant, Solicitor, Contractor, and SPNB Officer.
This application not only improves work efficiency, but also data security and user experience, Nga said.
At 8.08am on April 1, a major industrial incident occurred in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, when a PETRONAS gas pipeline leak led to an explosion and fire. The blaze produced flames as high as 30m.
