His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, made a heartfelt visit to the site of the devastating gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights today, by personally driving himself in a Proton Satria Neo RS to the relief centre.
Arriving at 9.40am the King was received by the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. His majesty was given a detailed brief on the explosion and the current condition of the residents.
The tragedy which happened on 1st April saw an eight-hour blaze which engulfed a 500 meter stretch of gas pipeline along Jalan Putra Harmoni. A total of 87 homes were declared a total lost while 148 homes were damaged. At Least 399 vehicles were affected with 225 completely burnt. A total of 1200 victims from 308 families were displaced, many who are now taking shelter at the Putra Heights Mosque and the Subang Jaya City Council multipurpose hall.
After the briefing, Sultan Ibrahim visited the fire site, spending around 40 minutes surveying the damage. He later met the affected residents at the temporary relief centre, where he personally spoke with the victims offering words of comfort.
In a show of government response, Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari assured residents will receive RM5000 in aid that will be distributed starting Monday with a verified list of people already prepared. Temporary housing arrangements for 100 families will be finalized and announced. After that they will either be replacing or repairing the houses, but it may take more time because the area must be declared safe first by the police.
The visit was also attended by several high level officials including the Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Fire and Rescue Department Director-General Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, and Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan.
Authorities have confirmed that parts from the area were underground construction involving sewage pipe replacement a couple of days before the explosion. An excavator was found buried in the blast site, making the ongoing investigation more intense.
