Cover Photo: Malaysian Red Crescent
Photo: Malaysian Red Crescent
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How you can help support the victims of the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire this week, which has displaced over 500 people to date
Over 500 people have been displaced from their homes in Putra Heights after a massive fire broke out from a gas pipeline explosion this week along Jalan Putra Harmoni. According to a New Straits Times article quoting District police chief Assistant Commissioner Wan Azlan Wan Mamat, more than 40 people are being treated at government and private hospitals for burns and heat exhaustion from the incident.
Read more: Dato' Dr Ahmad Faizal on his journey with Mercy Malaysia
The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department reports that over 230 homes were damaged by the fire which also destroyed almost 400 vehicles.
A Bernama article dated April 1 urged NGOs, government agencies and members of the public to donate essential items to those who have been displaced from their homes. These items include slippers, sanitary towels, disposable diapers for children and adults, and more. To date, the victims are being housed at Putra Heights Mosque and Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple near Jalan Putra Harmoni.
Individuals who would like to donate funds or items to aid the ongoing relief efforts for the victims of the fire can reach out to established organisations and NGOs who are already at work amidst the crisis. From Mercy Malaysia to Red Crescent Society, here are some organisations you can support to help the victims in their time of need.
Mercy Malaysia
MERCY Malaysia is working closely with the Department of Social Welfare, Malaysia (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat or JKM) to provide mental health support to the victims of the fire, including offering psychological first aid (PFA) and facilitating child-friendly activities (CFA) to help the affected individuals cope with the trauma they’ve just endured.
To donate, visit MERCY Malaysia’s website or click the Instagram link above for the organisation’s bank details, indicating the reference ‘MERCY Malaysia - Pipeline’ in payment details.
The Malaysian Red Crescent
Through its Selangor Chapter, the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) has kicked off its emergency response to help victims housed at the Temporary Relief Centre at Dewan Serbaguna Masjid Putra Heights. In collaboration with the SMART Selangor Operation Centre (SSOC) and JKM, MRC has deployed emergency ambulances while actively providing first aid and medical support to affected individuals.
On April 2, MRC and Nestlé Malaysia also joined forces to distribute more than 200 food aid packages for affected families housed at the evacuation centres.
Visit Bulan Sabit Merah Malaysia (BSMM) Negeri Selangor’s website or the main MRC website for details on how to donate toward these relief efforts.
See also: Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz on championing women and youth voices in the humanitarian space
Suara Anak Selangor
Angkatan Muda Keadilan Selangor vice youth chief Ruben Raj, on behalf of Pertubuhan Suara Anak Selangor (SUARA), is organising a donation drive for essential items like dry canned food, toiletries, sanitary pads and more at a collection centre in Pandan Jaya.
Reach out directly to Ruben at +6011-2353 9343 for more details on how to donate.
Other organisations engaged in relief efforts for the Putra Heights fire victims:
- Perbadanan Wakaf Selangor
- Masjid Putra Heights
- Crisis Relief Squad of MCA (CRSM)
- St. John Ambulance of Malaysia
The Malaysian Animal Association (Persatuan Haiwan Malaysia)
From now till April 8, the Malaysian Animal Association has stepped up to offer free pet care services for pet owners who are affected by the gas pipeline fire, housing small animals such as cats, rabbits, birds, hamsters, hedgehogs and even pet civets at the Galeri Animal Malaysia shelter on Jalan Ipoh, which is licensed by the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services.
Visit Galeri Animal Malaysia or the Malaysian Animal Association on their social media channels for more information on how to donate to their efforts in this time of crisis.
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
