Evacuated folk to get aid

Evacuated folk to get aid

PUTRAJAYA: All possible assistance will be given to the 334 families who were evacuated from their apartments at Precinct 9 following a landslide, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The Prime Minister, who visited the affected area and residents, said: “Arrangements are being made to relocate all of you to a newly completed apartments in Precinct 14.”

He said the hill slope where the landslide happened had been planted with trees and remained stable for the past 10 years.

“I am surprised as to why the landslide happened now,” he said, adding that an investigation was under way to determine the cause of the landslide and remedial action needed.

Abdullah, who met the residents at the Precinct 9 community hall, said the Ikram group (formerly known as the Public Works Department’s Research & Training Institute) needed two weeks to carry out investigations.

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Zulhasnan Rafique said residents staying in Precinct 14 for two weeks would only be allowed home under police escort to gather some provisions and clothing.

“Everybody should stay away from the place,” he said.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said she would make sure that every family affected received enough food and drinks to last a fortnight.

“They will have a place to stay for the night but the apartments won’t have a kitchen or stove so they can’t cook. The Welfare Department is also discussing with Putrajaya Corporation on whether we should give any financial aid to the victims,” she said.