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THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has stepped in to support victims of the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights by distributing essential digital devices, including laptops and mobile phones, to assist with education and communication needs.
In a targeted effort to ease the burden on affected communities, MCMC has so far provided laptops to 37 students from institutions of higher learning who lost personal belongings in the incident.
“These students were among those whose studies were disrupted after the fire destroyed or damaged homes and property,” MCMC said in a statement today.
In the coming days, MCMC will also begin distributing mobile phones to heads of affected households and additional laptops to schools impacted by the disaster.
In total, the agency plans to deliver 302 laptops—37 for university students and 265 for schools—and 620 mobile phones to individual households.
The devices were officially handed over during a brief ceremony held at the Putra Heights temporary relief centre (Pusat Penempatan Sementara) at Masjid Putra Heights.
The event was attended by Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, who was joined by senior officials from the Ministry of Communications and MCMC, including Deputy Secretary-General (Telecommunications Infrastructure), Mano Verabathran.
MCMC said the initiative is intended to alleviate some of the hardships faced by fire victims, particularly in terms of access to online learning, essential services and communication during the recovery period.
“MCMC hopes that this support can help reduce the burden on victims, especially in continuing their education, accessing online services, and maintaining communication, which is especially vital in times like these,” the commission said.
The fire, which broke out on April 1 following a gas pipeline explosion, caused widespread destruction in the area, with dozens of homes severely damaged and many residents displaced. – April 13, 2025
