Homeowners receive RM5000, victims get RM2500 Anwar: Discussing with Petronas on housing arrangements

(Petaling Jaya, 1st) Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar announced that homeowners whose houses were completely destroyed in the gas pipeline explosion incident will receive an immediate aid of RM5000.

He told reporters after inspecting the fire site and the operations center this afternoon that the more than 100 injured in the incident will receive RM2500.

He said the Selangor State Government and Petronas are discussing appropriate measures to house temporarily homeless residents.

“The state government, Petronas, and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government agree during discussions that their houses cannot be repaired in a short period.

“The government and Petronas are discussing how to take temporary but reasonable measures because it will take up to a year, unlike floods which last only a couple of weeks.

“As for the responsibility of repairing this residential area and the issues of repairs or compensation, our federal government and Petronas will fully bear the cost... I hope everyone does not worry, it just needs some time.”

Earlier, Anwar listened to the police briefing on coordination work and inspected the disaster site. Those present included Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan, Director of National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) Datuk Khairul Shaharil, Director of the Fire and Rescue Department Datuk Nor Hisam, and Chairman and CEO of Petronas Group Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik.

Additionally, Anwar said that a comprehensive investigation will be launched to identify the cause of the disaster, and the investigation team is expected to take some time to determine the results.

He said residents affected by the incident are currently not allowed to return home, and government agencies will mobilize to ensure these residents have temporary housing.

He thanked the police, fire brigade, and other security personnel as well as Petronas for their swift action in responding to the disaster and also thanked the temple or mosque committees for immediately assisting the residents.

“Our priority is safety, and at present, everything seems to be under control. Therefore, I decided to inspect the site myself to ensure if it is safe.”