THE Ministry of Human Resources is awaiting a full report from the Ministry of Higher Education on the fatal explosion during air-conditioning maintenance works at HELP University in Bukit Damansara earlier this week, as authorities assess further assistance for those affected.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the incident involved university students and stressed that his ministry would carefully consider the most appropriate form of aid, in addition to identifying longer-term measures to support the victims.
“Initial assistance has already been extended. In terms of aid, there are provisions available, but for now we will allow the Ministry of Higher Education to manage the matter first before the Ministry of Human Resources channels the appropriate assistance,” he told reporters after attending the Ministry’s New Year 2026 address at the Social Security Organisation headquarters here today.
The explosion, which occurred during maintenance work on the building’s air-conditioning system on Monday, claimed the life of a local man, Soo Yu Juan, 24, who died while receiving treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital. Nine others were injured in the incident, including four students.
Ramanan said two of the injured victims are eligible to receive Temporary Disability Benefits under the Social Security Organisation, as they are contributors under the Lindung Pekerja scheme. The two are Teh Wee Leon, 32, and Liew Yeng Chen, 55.
Meanwhile, the Social Security Organisation said it has mobilised its Prihatin Squad to examine the assistance that can be extended to victims of the explosion, which occurred at the private university in Bukit Damansara.
In a statement, the organisation confirmed that Teh, a lecturer, and Liew, a contractor, qualify for Temporary Disability Benefits.
“In addition, Perkeso will also examine other forms of assistance that may be extended to the victims. It is hoped that this support will help ease the burden on them and their families, who are undoubtedly still in shock following this tragic incident,” the statement said.
Perkeso added that it will contact the employers of the affected individuals directly to report the accident and facilitate the next steps in the benefits application process.
Further checks found that three other injured victims, comprising maintenance contractors and canteen workers, were not registered as Perkeso contributors, while the remaining injured individuals were students.
“A detailed investigation will be conducted into the employers involved to determine the reasons for the failure to register contributions for the affected workers, excluding students,” the organisation said, adding that information related to the case will also be shared with relevant agencies to ensure appropriate assistance is provided to all victims.
According to police, the deceased was identified as Soo Yu Juan, a third-year mechanical engineering student from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman who was undergoing industrial training at the time of the incident. - January 15, 2026
