Selangor Sultan instructs Mais, agencies to relieve Putra Heights gas fire victims

By Media Selangor Team

SHAH ALAM, April 3 — The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj has directed the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) and its agencies to provide aid in the recovery of the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire victims.

The Selangor Royal Office said His Royal Highness was deeply saddened by Tuesday’s (April 1) tragedy and hopes that the victims and their families will face this test from Allah SWT with patience and perseverance.

“Through the Darul Ehsan Islamic Foundation (Yide), Mais will provide assistance to students at all levels of education whose schooling has been disrupted due to this tragedy.

“His Royal Highness has decreed that funds from Tabung Infak Jariah Umat Islam Selangor (Tijari) be utilised to provide financial assistance to Yide, enabling Yide to channel aid to the affected students,” it said in a statement today.

Similarly, the Ruler also decreed that mosque and surau management, especially those near the site of the tragedy, be prepared to allow these houses of worship to be used as temporary relief centres (PPS) for the victims.

“His Royal Highness has decreed that congregational prayers must continue as usual in the mosques and suraus and should not be suspended while they are being used as PPS.

“Sultan Sharafuddin also decreed that the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) identifies the number of individuals who have suffered property damage or destruction to facilitate the provision of appropriate zakat assistance to the affected victims,” said the Selangor Royal Office.

Meanwhile, Mais’ chairman Senator Dato’ Salehuddin Saidin said he was summoned to an audience with the Sultan in the morning, together with its deputy chairman cum Yide’s chairman Tan Sri Mazlan Mansor, Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, and state executive councillor for Islamic affairs and innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah.

“The audience was to discuss assistance for the recovery of victims affected by the Putra Heights gas pipeline tragedy.

“Following the discussions during the audience, His Royal Highness decreed several measures to be implemented by Mais in collaboration with agencies under Mais. Via Yide, it must provide assistance to students at all levels of education whose schooling has been disrupted due to this tragedy,” he said in a separate statement.

To facilitate this, YIDE will identify the number of affected students and provide assistance, including school uniforms, stationery, books, school equipment, and other necessary supplies.

“This aid is intended to ensure that affected students do not have to postpone their schooling and can continue their studies as usual. Additionally, Yide will work with the state government to coordinate transportation assistance for students to and from school throughout the required recovery period.

“Although Yide was established by Mais as a welfare institution to support orphaned Muslim children and provide disaster relief in Selangor, the Sultan has decreed that aid will also be extended to non-Muslim students affected by the Putra Heights tragedy,” Salehuddin said, adding that Tijari’s funds will also be used to this purpose.

In line with the Ruler’s decree on mosques and suraus as PPS, Mais will allocate financial aid from Baitulmal sources, whether through wakaf funds or general resources, to restore and repair any mosques or suraus damaged by the tragedy.

“This allocation will also cover maintenance and repairs required after these places are used as PPS,” he said.

On LZS’ role in supporting the victims, Salehuddin said that priority and urgency will be given to those who have lost their homes or whose houses have been severely damaged.

“With the aid provided by Mais and its agencies under the decree of His Royal Highness, it is hoped that the burden and hardships faced by the victims can be eased. Furthermore, Mais and its agencies pray that all victims be granted patience, strength, and resilience in facing this challenge.

“Mais also calls upon the entire Muslim community to pray for the well-being and safety of all affected victims, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion, during this tragic event,” he said.

Earlier today, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said that 308 families, comprising 1,254 victims, have registered with the Social Welfare Department, with two victims currently receiving treatment at the intensive care units of Kuala Lumpur Hospital and Ampang Hospital due to respiratory issues.

Currently, 85 houses affected by the gas pipeline fire have been confirmed safe, with residents allowed to return home starting tonight.