Editor’s Note: According to Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seti Amirudin Shari, the latest losses (as of April 7) from the Putra Height’s gas pipeline tragedy has reached an estimated RM65.4 mil with RM285.9 mil worth of property successfully saved.
Of the 437 houses affected (latest figure at the time of writing), 81 houses were completely destroyed; another 81 partially destroyed; 57 houses were burned with no structural damage while 218 houses were not affected.
Distribution of cash assistance to 219 affected families will begin this evening (April 7) with the following breakdown:
- RM10,000 for a completely destroyed house (RM5,000 Federal government + RM5,000 PETRONAS);
- RM5,000 for partially destroyed houses (RM2,500 + RM2,500); and
- RM5,000 for house tenants (RM2,500 + RM2,500).
Hari ke-7 insiden kebakaran paip gas di Putra Heights, pagi ini saya mempengerusikan Mesyuarat Ke-6 Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Negeri. Antara perkembangan yang dibincangkan:
1. 151 rumah telah disahkan selamat dan dibenarkan untuk diduduki semula. Pasukan sukarelawan SERVE… pic.twitter.com/2B2PPXSFTD
— Amirudin Shari (@AmirudinShari) April 7, 2025
THE Madani government made the right call to cancel the Selangor level Hari Raya open house in honour of the victims of the Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion. It was a respectful gesture – acknowledging that celebrations can wait when people are reeling from disaster.
Food and drinks that were prepared in conjunction with the Madani Open House which was originally scheduled to be held yesterday (April 6) were instead distributed to victims at the temporary evacuation shelter (PPS), security personnel and media personnel on duty.
Selaras dengan pengumuman saya semalam, makanan dan minuman yang telah disediakan sempena Majlis Rumah Terbuka Madani yang pada mulanya akan dianjurkan hari ini tapi telah dibatalkan, telah diagihkan kepada para mangsa di PPS, petugas keselamatan dan petugas media yang sedang… pic.twitter.com/SlRhGQEHmj
— Amirudin Shari (@AmirudinShari) April 6, 2025
But as the smoke clears, a bigger question lingers. What comes next for the victims?
Some suffered injuries, many lost homes, and almost all had their Raya plans shattered. Yet, apart from the cancelled event and some early statements of concern, there’s been little national conversation about real recovery – about compensation, rebuilding or long-term assistance.
Earlier, the Madani government had pledged RM100 mil to support the Palestinians in war-torn Gaza – a cause close to the hearts of many Malaysians. That’s not in dispute.
The suffering of Palestinians demands attention and aid on humanitarian grounds and Malaysia has never shied away from standing in solidarity with oppressed communities abroad.
Working out the maths
But we must ask both gently but firmly: Are we showing that same scale of compassion for our own people – the ones just a few kilometres away, not several time zones?
Do the math. RM100 mil divided equally among the 219 affected families whose homes were either completely destroyed (81), partially destroyed (81) or burned with no structural damage (57) would yield RM456,612 per household.
But nobody is suggesting each family should receive that amount.
But even 5% of that pledge – RM5 mil – would make a meaningful difference. That’s around RM22,830 per family. Probably enough to fix broken walls, replace scorched appliances, cover medical bills or simply breathe a little easier during recovery.
So far, we don’t know exactly how much of the RM100 mil that are supposedly derived from corporate pledges have been raised or disbursed.
To be fair, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim – in the immediate aftermath of the explosion – had announced that the Federal government would provide a payment of RM5,000 to owners whose houses were completely damaged for temporary lodging expenses.
For those whose houses were affected, PMX said a RM2,500 financial aid will be paid as well.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about pitting one tragedy (Gaza and Putra Heights) against another or advocating that charity should start from home given that funding for the Palestinian cause is derived solely from corporate sponsorship rather than taxpayers’ money.
It’s about recognising that while we extend compassion abroad, we mustn’t overlook those in need at home. The capacity to care doesn’t diminish – it expands when guided by fairness and empathy.
Cancelling a festive event out of respect is a thoughtful gesture. But rebuilding lives requires more than symbolism. It requires resources, resolve and a willingness to put ordinary Malaysians first – especially when disaster strikes unexpectedly.
Because if we don’t show up for the affected Putra Heights gas pipeline inferno victims which may number 1,500 or more, what message are we sending to every other Malaysian about whose lives matter? – April 7, 2025
