SUBANG JAYA: Residents of Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru in Putra Heights have voiced dissatisfaction with the assistance provided following the devastating fire that destroyed their homes in April.
They said that while the aid had helped ease their immediate burden, it does not restore what they lost — including their homes, income sources and essential belongings.
Several of them claimed that some forms of assistance promised to them had yet to materialise.
One of the victims, Mohd Radzi Mohd Rashid, 43, said many residents were still waiting for support that was supposed to be provided to them, such as rental aid and basic furnishings for their new housing units.
“We were informed earlier that the houses would come furnished — that we could just need to ‘wash our feet and enter’, meaning furniture and essentials would be ready.
“But the houses are empty. Our furniture was destroyed (due to the fire), and none has been replaced,” he said at the handover ceremony for homes of victims of the Putra Heights fire incident here today.
Radzi said that although the replacement houses were being handed over, they lacked electricity and water supply.
“We cannot move in yet because there is no electricity or water supply. The wiring is done, but meters haven’t been installed. How can we live there without utilities?” he asked.
He also questioned delays in the rental aid promised under the third phase of assistance.
“The third phase of rental payments was supposed to come in October or November. Many residents are renting elsewhere while waiting (for the replacement homes). We still don’t know if the claims will even be approved. Some have not received anything.”
Radzi said that although the residents were grateful for the replacement houses, these were inferior compared with their previous units.
“My old house was bigger — five rooms, two-storeys high. Twenty years ago, its value was about RM150,000, not counting the upgrades.
“What we’re receiving now is a Rumah Mesra Rakyat worth RM75,000. The difference is huge.”
He said the fire also wiped out the residents’ livelihoods.
“(Before the incident) I was managing school and tour buses. I lost everything (to the fire) — my vehicles, business and income. My father left me with 15 rental units, and those were destroyed too.”
He added that while some residents managed to repair surviving rental units using their savings and later claim RM30,000 from the authorities, the reimbursement window had closed, leaving several houses unrepaired due to financial constraints.
Following the loss of his business, Radzi said he now works as a bus driver for a friend just to survive.
Despite the frustrations, he said residents remained patient and accepted whatever assistance arrives.
“At this point, we have surrendered to fate. We hope the remaining promises will be fulfilled.”
Meanwhile, another resident, Zainuddin Abd Halim, 61, a government pensioner, expressed gratitude for his replacement home but acknowledged that several issues remained unresolved.
“I am grateful for this house. Even though it doesn’t cover all the losses, it helps us continue our lives.
“My original house was 3,200 sq ft. We were given a 1,200 sq ft unit. But still, alhamdulillah (praise be to God) — thank you. We appreciate what we have.”
“In some cases, we have to survive on our own. We can’t rely on the government for everything. So thank you to the Local Government Development Ministry and the government for giving us a place to stay.”
However, he said several promised items and facilities had yet to be delivered.
“There are still things not settled — electricity, water, and some smaller issues. The house grills that were promised haven’t been installed.”
Zainuddin, who along with his some of family members suffered burn injuries due to the blaze, said they had since been undergoing continuous treatment.
“For two months, nine of us stayed at my daughter’s house in Shah Alam — three generations under one roof. My youngest grandchild is four, and my mother-in-law is 86. All of us had skin grafts.”
He said their initial treatment schedule had been intense.
“Previously, we had to go to Putrajaya Hospital every two or three days. Now it’s once a month. I’m grateful — the doctors and facilities there for burns and skin surgery are excellent.”
Despite the challenges, Zainuddin said he was determined to rebuild his life.
“At this point, we have to adjust our mindset to the situation. I repaired my home using my pension savings. I may convert it into a rental house later for some monthly income.”
He said he would move into the replacement house provided by the government while continuing to rebuild gradually using whatever resources he has.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
