Kuala Lumpur, 8 April 2025 — As Malaysians, we welcome any effort to ease the burden of disaster victims, but we must also speak up for fairness. Following the announcement that 55 Yamaha motorcycles have been sponsored for victims of the Putra Heights gas explosion, I, Dato G Kumaar Aamaan, as the Chief Editor of Ottrangknews and a citizen activist, feel compelled to raise some important questions.
Yes, this initiative helps. Motorcycles are essential for daily life and livelihoods, especially in areas like Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru. But let us not forget — Malaysia has many disaster victims beyond Putra Heights.
We have flood victims in Kelantan and Terengganu, fire victims in squatter areas of Kuala Lumpur, landslide victims in highland developments. Are their losses any less?
Is the government and Spanco prepared to extend the same generosity to them?
What is the criteria for such aid?
Is there a clear, transparent system, or is this just a convenient move for headlines?
Are we setting a new standard, or is this a one-off showcase?
When Transport Minister Anthony Loke says this is “to help them return to normal life,” I ask, is this statement true for all Malaysians facing disasters? Or only for selected groups?
We at Ottrangknews strongly urge the government to establish a comprehensive, nationwide disaster assistance framework. Aid must be institutionalised, not improvised. Every Malaysian deserves equal support, regardless of location or media attention.
The tragedy at Putra Heights, where flames soared over 30 metres and temperatures exceeded 1,000 degrees Celsius, is a harsh reminder of the unpredictable nature of such disasters. But let this not be an isolated lesson. Let it be the starting point for fair, nationwide disaster relief policies.
As an activist and media leader, I stand firmly with all Malaysians affected by calamities. Ottrangknews will continue to speak up — not for headlines, but for justice.
Dato G Kumaar Aamaan
Chief Editor, Ottrangknews
Citizen Activist