The 18 families affected by the Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion have finally been able to return to their newly built homes. The houses in Kuala Sungai Baru village have been rebuilt by Syarakat Perumahan Negara Berhad (SPNB).
RM4.85 million (S$1,530,000) has been allocated from the National Housing Disaster Fund for this. At the event, Local Government Minister Nga Kar Ming said that the Madani government has taken prompt action and is standing by the affected people. He added that this project will bring new hope to the families.
Progress of the Reconstruction Project
Construction work began on 3 June. Since then, the reconstruction of the houses has been gradually completed. Of these, 15 houses have been completed, and the remaining three are waiting for documentation.
The houses in the Putra Heights area were repaired by Sime Darby Behad. On the other hand, SPNB took care of the Kuala Sungai Baru units. As a result, the reconstruction has been faster with the work of both parties combining.
Damage Picture
81 houses were damaged by the explosion by more than 40 percent. In addition, 81 houses were partially damaged, and another 57 houses were affected by the fire but not burned.
The owners of these houses were in uncertainty for several months. However, their suffering was eased somewhat by the reconstruction. The horror of the fire is still in their minds.
Government Promise
Minister Nga Kar Ming said that the government will not leave the victims alone. He said, ‘It is easier to lift a heavy burden when everyone is together.’ In addition, the National Housing Disaster Fund has been established, which is the first since independence.
This fund will provide assistance to those affected by future disasters. He also praised the efficiency of SPNB, which was able to build the houses in a short time.
RMR Initiative and New App
The minister also said that in 2025, SPNB built 5,450 units under the Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) program. This is 56 percent more than in 2024. There are plans to build another 6,545 units in 2026. At the same time, the MyRMR app has been launched, which will make the application and project supervision process easier.
Feelings of the Victims
Victim Hasrina Nordin said that they have found peace in being able to return to their homes after a six-month wait. She said that it is impossible to describe the difficult days in words.
Another victim, Sharifah Mustafa, expressed gratitude for getting her new three-room house. She said that this house is part of her preparation for old age.
Watch the video here.
More from Wake Up Singapore:
36 Putra Heights Residents Sue PETRONAS Gas, Govt Over Devastating Pipeline Explosion & Fire
‘We Lost Everything’: Families Left Devastated by Putra Heights Gas Pipeline Inferno
Plane Crashes, Bursts Into Fireball Seconds After Takeoff — Pilots Dead, Two Survive
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