By Aliff Haiqal Mohamed
SUBANG JAYA, April 5 — Basic necessities and food supplies at the temporary relief centre (PPS) in Masjid Putra Heights are currently sufficient to meet the needs of victims for a week.
However, a Social Welfare Department's (JKM) Community Volunteer Unit representative said that certain items, like baby diapers, are still in short supply and urgently needed at this time.
“All other basic necessities are sufficient, but we do need disposable baby diapers, especially in sizes L and XL,” Zura Atie told Media Selangor at the PPS today.
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Social Welfare Department Community Volunteer Unit representative Zura Atie.[/caption]
She also urged individuals and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) intending to contribute aid to first refer to the JKM counter at the PPS.
“For large-scale donations, we recommend that they be sent to Dewan Harmoni. There, the aid will be coordinated before being distributed to the PPS centres in need," Zura said.
She added that excess donated goods exceeding storage capacity at the Masjid Putra Heights PPS will also be redirected to the PPS at Subang Jaya City Council's Dewan Camelia.
Yesterday, the state executive councillor for women's empowerment and social welfare Anfaal Saari also advised individuals and NGOs to consult with the PPS coordinator before delivering aid to victims.
She said that this was to avoid an oversupply of items that may not be needed. Similarly, the state government agency Wanita Berdaya Selangor would be mobilised to help ensure better organisation and distribution of aid supplies.
The incident on Tuesday (April 1), which occurred at 8.10am, saw flames soaring over 30 metres high with temperatures reaching 1,000°C, taking nearly eight hours to be completely extinguished.
87 houses have been declared as “total loss” in the aftermath of the disaster, while 148 other affected houses that sustained damage are deemed to be safe and can be occupied after repairs.
As of this morning, 382 victims from 99 families have been placed at the PPS in Masjid Putra Heights, while 109 victims from 27 families are sheltering at the PPS in Dewan Camelia.
