PM: Homeowners will receive compensation; the restoration and repair of affected areas will be covered by the federal and state governments, along with Petronas.

PETALING JAYA, April 1 — Residents affected by the gas line fire in Putra Heights will receive compensation, with restoration costs to be jointly covered by the government and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gave the assurance following a site visit and briefing by authorities at Jalan Putra Harmoni.

“The federal government, state government, and Petronas will take full responsibility for restoring, repairing, and replacing damaged residential areas,” he said. “Please don’t worry, but it will take some time.”

Anwar also announced that homeowners whose properties were completely destroyed will receive RM5,000 in immediate assistance from Petronas — and if necessary, the federal government — to cover temporary accommodation. Those with partially damaged homes will receive RM2,500 in aid.

He stressed that the safety of residents remains the top priority, noting that the process of rebuilding may take a year or more. Preliminary discussions with the Housing and Local Government Ministry, the state government, and Petronas indicate that full restoration will not be immediate.

“The investigation into the cause of the fire will take some time, and ensuring everyone’s safety is our current focus. Based on the latest updates, the situation appears under control,” Anwar said. “That’s why I visited personally — to assure the public it’s safe.”

He added that the government will soon engage with local residential associations to discuss the way forward.

In the meantime, residents of affected homes are not permitted to return, but Anwar assured that all relevant government agencies are being mobilised for clean-up and recovery efforts.

“Petronas and the government team are now looking at temporary but reasonable solutions,” he said.