THE Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) is stepping up to assist victims of the gas pipeline fire that devastated Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, last Tuesday, offering medical and psychological support alongside humanitarian aid.
Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry had mobilised a team of medical professionals from universities with hospitals to provide immediate assistance at the relief centre (PPS) at the Putra Heights Mosque.
“We’ve taken swift action by deploying a team from KPT, including medical teams from universities, to assist those affected. We also sent a psychological team to help those dealing with trauma, not only adults but also children,” Zambry explained. “Additionally, we have the Siswa MADANI team, made up of volunteers from various universities around the country.”
Zambry added that the ministry is also identifying students impacted by the fire to ensure they receive the necessary support to continue their education. “So far, we’ve identified nine students affected by the incident. It’s not just financial aid – I’ve already informed the universities, and arrangements will be made to extend their registration,” he said.
The Youth and Sports Ministry has also stepped in, offering support to its staff members who were affected by the fire. Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim confirmed that two staff members from the ministry have been identified and are now benefiting from flexible working hours to accommodate their needs.
In a related development, the Selangor state government, through the Yayasan Islam Darul Ehsan (YIDE), will provide school supplies and uniforms to the children of fire victims who are returning to school on Monday.
Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the aid was in line with a decree by Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor.
“YIDE will contribute by providing school essentials such as equipment and uniforms to the affected children,” he said during a press conference.
Amirudin also noted that the Ministry of Education (KPM) had previously announced a financial contribution of RM1,000 for affected teachers and students.
On a visit to a victim receiving treatment at the Ampang Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Amirudin expressed the state government’s commitment to supporting the victim’s family. The individual, who has a history of asthma, suffered complications following the fire incident.
“The victim’s wife is still under treatment at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah in Klang, while eight other family members are safe,” Amirudin added. “I believe that we will be able to provide the necessary support for these two victims in the coming days.” – April 4, 2025
