KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 — Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming will meet with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today to discuss the best way to help victims of the Putra Heights gas pipeline blaze.
“I will meet with the Prime Minister to discuss the best formula to help the victims. An announcement will be made when the matter has been decided,” he told a press conference after delivering the keynote address at the 14th Affordable Housing Project Conference here today.
Commenting on his absence at the incident site and the relief centre, which had drawn criticism from certain quarters, Nga said his priority is to ensure comprehensive aid for victims.
“Frankly, we don’t need to entertain such criticisms. What truly matters is resolving the issues faced by the people. As of today, we can see all ministries have mobilised aid to support the victims,” he said.
“DAP has raised funds and given 100 per cent (of the funds) to the victims, so everyone is helping. I am focused on providing a total solution,” he said.
The Petronas gas pipeline fire at 8.10am on April 1 saw flames of over 30m high with temperatures reaching 1,000°C. It took almost eight hours to extinguish.
The blaze damaged 219 homes in a nearby neighbourhood, while another 220 were unaffected.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said 38 out of the 146 victims are still being treated, with 18 of them in government hospitals and 20 at private health facilities.
— Bernama
