By Aida Nyan
SUBANG JAYA, April 7 — The gas explosion incident at Putra Heights in Subang Jaya on April 1 has robbed the residents there of their homes, valuables, and any semblance of normalcy.
In its aftermath a week later, help for the residents has poured in from all sides, but many of them are still hoping for more assistance and support from the authorities so that they may start picking up the pieces and rebuild their lives.
Nor Azlina Ariffin
A staff member of the Ministry of Economy, Nor Azlina Ariffin, 52, has praised the authorities for their commendable work but said better coordination of efforts would help to reduce her fears and worries.
“I feel that in such a difficult situation, there can be a more organised way to coordinate assistance to the victims,” she said.
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Nor Azlina Ariffin[/caption]
“The government has been so kind. I am certain that eventually, all the help that has been promised to us will be fulfilled.”
Nor Azlina said she and the other residents would like more support from the Health Ministry as they are all undergoing immense mental stress.
“My neighbours who have just been discharged from hospital are still in trauma. I saw a few of them in tears. I really hope more kinds of help will be provided to us, not just temporary housing,” she added.
Jun Choung
Long-time resident of Putra Heights, Jun Choung, 29, said he feels that from a practical point of view, work must begin quickly to repair the extensive damage caused by the explosion, otherwise the losses will multiply.
“I hope that those in charge have come up with a plan to help us move forward quickly. We are at a blank as to what to do now,” said the engineer who works in a private company.
Choung agreed that help has been forthcoming since day one, but added that it has not been enough to see immediate progress.
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Jun Choung[/caption]
“Aside from our neighbourhood (in Putra Heights), the neighbouring kampung is also affected. Entire houses have been destroyed. We need a concrete and all-encompassing plan,” he said.
Shankar Robindran
Another resident, Shankar Robindran, 45, echoed Choung’s sentiment, saying that the help that has come forth isn’t enough to repair the damage faced by the homeowners.
“The losses we face far exceed the help we received. We don’t have enough to start repairing our homes. Even the insurance compensation isn’t enough,” he said.
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Shankar Robindran[/caption]
”Everything now is in a state of chaos. I need a house. I need shelter for my wife and my children,” said the father of three.
Melvin
“We really hope there is going to be both short-term and long-term assistance,” said another resident, Melvin, 50.
“All the relevant agencies need to come together to help us find a way out of this,” he pleaded.
Melvin also said he hopes that each resident will be allowed to bring in their own contractors to begin work on their damaged property.
“The damage may be small or minimal now in some areas, but will become worse if left unattended.
“What’s most important is that they let us cover our exposed roofs. The rest of the repairs can be done at a later stage,” he said.
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Melvin[/caption]
Click here for a video of the interviews with the residents.
