Some Putra Heights house owners in Malaysia still waiting for aid after gas pipeline explosion
SUBANG JAYA - It has been almost two months since a gas pipeline explosion rocked Putra Heights in Subang Jaya but several affected residents are still waiting for aid that was promised to them.
These include the RM2,000 (S$604) a month from the Selangor government to cover rental for up to six months, RM500 in schooling aid from the Education Ministry and access to a car for personal use.
The April 1 explosion destroyed 81 homes, badly damaged 57 and partially damaged 81.
Resident Azam Mokhtar said many homeowners had to rent elsewhere.
'We were told that the Selangor government would disburse the first three months' rental assistance in a lump sum but there has been no update.'
On April 30, it was reported that RM2.73 million in rental assistance has been allocated for 455 families affected by the disaster.
Selangor's cheif minister Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the number was an increase from the previously reported 396 families, following several requests, applications and ongoing investigations by the authorities.
'The rent will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of the affected families', he said.
Mr Amirudin stated that 214 families had received the aid, while they were waiting for verification of bank accounts, identity cards and other related documents for the remaining number.
Mr Azam said they were also told the gas pipeline will resume operations soon.
'We are in the dark about what safety measures will be in place,' he said.
Fellow resident Nazrul Aziz said many who lost their vehicles in the blast lacked transport after the expiration of the free car scheme.
According to media report, several automobile manufacturers had offered victims free use of a car for a month.
Mr Nazrul said now that the period had expired, they had to pay between RM1,000 and RM3,000 a month to extend the car rental. He added that 'this is causing us financial strain as we still have to pay loan instalments for our destroyed cars'.
The father of two also questioned plans to rebuild the damaged homes.
It was reported that Malaysia's housing government would undertake repairs of homes that were completely destroyed, but Mr Nazrul said that owners were told that repairs would not involve wiring and utilities installation. THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Straits Times
Malaysia unveils fuel price cut and cash aid in stimulus package.
The announcement comes just days ahead of a major anti-government protest on July 26. – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on July 23 unveiled a series of economic measures, including a one-time RM100 (S$30) cash handout for all adults, reduced fuel prices and a delay in toll hikes, aimed at tackling cost-of-living pressures and stimulate spending. Analysts see the announcement – which had earlier been couched by Datuk Seri Anwar as an 'appreciation package' for Malaysians – as both a 'mini stimulus package' and a strategic move to shore up support amid mounting public frustration over rising prices and looming subsidy cuts. It also comes just days ahead of a major anti-government protest scheduled for July 26. In a nationally televised address, the premier said all citizens aged 18 and above will get the RM100 cash aid credited via the MyKad identity card. This can be used to buy groceries and household items at over 4,100 retail outlets nationwide between Aug 31 and Dec 31, and will benefit 22 million people and will cost the government RM2 billion. Mr Anwar also said that the price of base level RON95 petrol will be reduced by six sen to RM1.99 per litre by the end of September. 'Mind you, the cost is still RM2.50 per litre, but we are selling at RM2.05,' he stressed, referring to the current price cap. The move would fulfil an infamous pledge he made nearly two decades ago. As opposition leader during the 2008 general election, he had proclaimed that if he were to become prime minister, petrol prices would go down the very next day. 'I apologise for taking more time (to do this)... Now I think we are ready,' the PM said on July 23, adding that the initiative would benefit over 18 million motorists and motorcyclists. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore's domestic recycling rate drops to all-time low of 11% Singapore Sota parent portal taken down for urgent patching following global cyberattack alerts Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in Singapore Local buyers are key to recovery of prime district condo market Singapore New online channel for public to report illegal ride-hailing services Singapore Ex-Tanjong Pagar United footballer charged with assault after Singapore Premier League match in Feb Singapore COE prices for cars mostly unchanged; premium for commercial vehicles up 2.9% Singapore Cyclist charged after allegedly hitting elderly pedestrian, killing him The price cut will apply exclusively to Malaysians, while foreigners will have to pay the market rate, he said. The raft of measures also included more discounted essential goods and targeted cash disbursements for the low- and middle-income groups. Toll hikes set to be rolled out for 10 major highways will also be delayed. Sept 15 has been declared an additional public holiday ahead of Malaysia Day, to 'appreciate our unification', the prime minister said. 'Since the first day of the Madani government, my priority has never changed: the people, the people, the people. Every policy, every decision we make... goes back to the people's welfare – for a more secure, prosperous and dignified life,' Mr Anwar said in his July 23 address. Madani, an Arabic term that roughly translates as 'civilised', is a catchphrase introduced by Mr Anwar to symbolise his vision of a fair, inclusive and progressive society. 'The initiatives I announced today are a symbol of gratitude to the people for standing with us on the Madani path of reform, as well as an immediate lifeline,' he added. Kenanga Investment Bank economist Muhammad Saifuddin Sapuan said the initiatives would provide 'a short-term fiscal boost that strengthens Malaysia's resilience amid ongoing global uncertainty', but could strain government finances and threaten fiscal targets. While Mr Anwar highlighted positive macroeconomic indicators for the country – inflation is at a four-year-low in June of 1.1 per cent, and unemployment at a decade-low of 3 per cent – real incomes for many Malaysians have lagged, while food and dining costs have soared. New taxes, including an expansion of the sales and service tax from July 1, and planned subsidy cuts have fanned frustration and unease. The government has struggled to implement politically sensitive measures, such the removal of blanket subsidies on RON95 petrol that was originally scheduled for rollout by the end of 2024 but delayed amid fears of public backlash. Mr Anwar has just said details will be announced by the end of September 2025. Formed in late 2022 following a hung Parliament, Mr Anwar's broad-based coalition government has provided Malaysia with a period of rare political stability following several changes in government since 2018. But the PM's reformist credentials have come under growing scrutiny. Asian Studies professor James Chin of the University of Tasmania said the measures announced were aimed at calming public unease and regaining support, particularly among non-Malays disillusioned by what they see as a lack of reforms implemented by the government. The opposition-organised rally, which police say could draw up to 15,000 people, is pushing for Mr Anwar to step down over the rising cost of living and his failure to deliver on promised reforms, among other issues. The recent appointment of a new Chief Justice after a weeks-long delay, has also helped defuse concerns over judicial independence, which had become another thorny issue for his unity government. Mr Anwar's approval rating edged up to 55 per cent in May, buoyed by earlier cash aid and relative political stability, but analysts warn that support remains fragile. Still, people like Mr Ricky Ng, 51, a Grab driver in Johor Bahru, gave the prime minister's moves the thumbs up. 'RM1.99 RON95 is better than nothing. Mr Anwar has managed to stabilise the government,' he said.
Business Times
8 hours ago
- Business Times
Malaysia PM Anwar unveils cash handout, fuel subsidy revamp as protests loom over rising living costs
[KUALA LUMPUR] With his administration under fire and street protests looming, Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a slew of initiatives, including a one-off cash handout and lower fuel prices, in a high-stakes effort to defuse growing public anger over rising costs of living. In a special televised address on Wednesday (Jul 23), Anwar announced a one-off RM100 (S$30) cash payment for all adult Malaysians, calling it 'an unprecedented gesture of appreciation and support amid mounting economic pressure'. The aid, to be distributed ahead of Malaysia's National Day on Aug 31, is expected to benefit some 22 million people and cost the government about RM2 billion. 'This is the first time in history that cash aid is distributed to all adult citizens,' he said, adding that total allocations for cash assistance programmes, including Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, will increase to RM15 billion next year – up from RM13 billion previously. The one-off handout, which will be distributed through MyKad, must be utilised between Aug 31 and Dec 31. It is valid for purchasing essential goods at more than 4,100 participating supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide. Opposition leaders and civil society groups are preparing for a large-scale protest on Jul 26 at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. PHOTO: FACEBOOK The move comes as Anwar's government grapples with public backlash over the expansion of the sales and services tax and other cost-pushing reforms. The broadened tax net now includes a wider range of goods and services, including imported fruits and selected luxury items, prompting discontent across segments of society. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Adding further pressure, opposition leaders and civil society groups are preparing for a large-scale protest on Saturday at Dataran Merdeka. More than 300 people took part in a precursor rally earlier this month, calling for Anwar's resignation over economic grievances. According to earlier reports, opposition party Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) Youth deputy chief Hanif Jamaluddin described the earlier protest as a 'warm-up' for what he said would be a much larger show of dissatisfaction. Among those expected to attend the Saturday protest are prominent political figures, including former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang. RON95 price reduced to RM1.99 Under the new scheme, eligible Malaysians will be entitled to a subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre. PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT Meanwhile, Anwar announced that the retail price of RON95 petrol will be lowered to RM1.99 per litre for eligible motorists – a reduction that is part of the government's plan to retarget petrol subsidies. However, he did not elaborate on the plan's specifics or implementation timeline. Under the new scheme, eligible Malaysians – including gig workers and licensed motorcycle riders as young as 16 – will be entitled to a subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre. Foreigners and high-income earners will be required to pay the market rate, which Anwar estimated to be around RM2.50 per litre. Currently, RON95 retails at RM2.05 per litre under a blanket subsidy model, while the floating market rate for RON97 stands at RM3.21. 'The government remains committed to its plan to restructure RON95 petrol subsidies, while ensuring the public will not be affected by this,' Anwar said, noting that full implementation details will be announced by the end of September. He also acknowledged that the current subsidy system is fiscally unsustainable, saying fuel subsidies alone cost the government nearly RM20 billion annually in both 2023 and 2024. 'This targeted approach is aligned with our efforts to optimise national resources for the benefit of the people and reduce subsidy wastage,' he said. Toll freeze and public holiday In a special address, Anwar announces a RM100 cash payment for all adult Malaysians as an 'unprecedented gesture' amid economic pressure. PHOTO: PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE OF MALAYSIA To further sweeten the deal, Anwar announced the deferment of scheduled toll hikes on 10 highways this year, including the Senai-Desaru Expressway, East Coast Expressway 2 and South Klang Valley Expressway. The freeze will cost the government RM500 million. He also declared an additional public holiday on Sep 15 in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebrations. 'I acknowledge the complaints and accept that the cost of living remains a challenge that must be addressed, even though we have announced various measures thus far,' Anwar said, adding that an initiative to aid those in poverty will be launched on Thursday.
Straits Times
16 hours ago
- Straits Times
Ukraine's military loses first French Mirage fighter jet in crash
Find out what's new on ST website and app. A Mirage 2000 fighter jet supplied to Ukraine from France crashed on Tuesday after experiencing equipment failure during an assignment, with the pilot ejecting safely, Ukraine's military said. It was the first loss of a Mirage jet since Ukraine's military started receiving them earlier this year. "Equipment failure occurred, which the pilot reported to the flight controller," a military statement said on Telegram. "The pilot then acted competently, as is expected in crisis situations, and successfully ejected. A rescue crew found the pilot in a stable condition. There were no casualties on the ground." Ukrainian news reports said the incident occurred in the northwestern Volyn region. Ukraine's military announced the arrival of the first batch of Mirage aircraft in February. U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets began arriving last year from different countries as Ukraine's Western allies sought to help Kyiv upgrade its largely Soviet-era air force fleet. REUTERS Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving
