On Wednesday, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu called for a detailed and transparent investigation into the cause of the blaze.
“I express my deepest condolences and full solidarity with all the victims affected,” he said, as quoted by Bernama, adding that in addition to finding the cause, safety protocols must be enhanced.
Separately, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that the federal government, along with Petronas, will help repair and rebuild properties that were damaged in the blaze.
Local media reported that some 227 houses in the area were affected, with 78 razed to the ground.
“The responsibility of restoring this residential area, repairing or replacing (damaged properties), will be fully undertaken by us, the federal government and Petronas, in cooperation with the state government.
“There is no need to worry, it will just take a bit of time,” he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.
But he warned that rebuilding efforts may take up to a year.
“It’s not like a flood that sometimes takes a week or two (before people can return home).”
In the meantime, the government will provide RM5,000 (US$1123) to those whose homes were destroyed, while those whose houses were damaged will receive RM2,500.
Anwar said if needed, the government and Petronas would look at the need to increase aid, according to the New Straits Times.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-putra-heights-fire-petronas-pipeline-explosion-5039311
