Malaysia to spend $12m to rebuild homes damaged by Selangor pipeline inferno

Homes within 100m radius of blast to be rebuilt first; cause of fire not yet known

- Azril Annuar

SUBANG, Selangor - The Malaysian government has allocated RM40 million (S$12.1 million) to repair and rebuild dozens of homes damaged in a huge gas pipeline explosion in Selangor, even as investigations into the April 1 incident continue.

Homes that sustained more than 40 per cent damage and require reconstruction will receive up to RM300,000 each for construction costs, while those that do not require reconstruction will have up to RM150,000.

Homes that are less than 40 per cent damaged will receive up to RM30,000 each.

Reconstruction work will begin this week in the Taman Putra Harmoni estate, starting with homes within a 100m radius of the blast site.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said on April 30 that the RM40 million will come from the National Disaster Relief Housing Fund.

"The government, through the fund, will allocate RM40 million for repairs and reconstruction of the affected Putra Heights houses. This is an unprecedented and most comprehensive repair and reconstruction work ever carried out by the federal government," he said at a news conference.

"It will be a strategic collaboration with the private sector, and those who contribute will be given tax exemptions as an incentive for more parties to lend a helping hand."