GOVT ALLOCATES RM7 MLN FOR NORTHEAST MONSOON DISASTER RESPONSE - NANCY

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- The government has allocated RM7 million to cover immediate expenses for all states and relevant agencies to ensure smooth coordination and disaster response operations during the northeast monsoon.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the funds, channelled through the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), also cover Compassionate Aid (BWI) payments.

“This is crucial for those affected by such disasters. BWI payments will be made based on the registration of heads of households through the Social Welfare Department’s (JKM) MyInfo Bencana system.

“The payments will be credited directly by Bank Simpanan Nasional, which has been appointed as the paying bank, within one to three days after the temporary relief centres are closed,” she said during Ministers’ Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today, on behalf of the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

Nancy was replying to a supplementary question from Nurul Amin Hamid (PN-Padang Terap), who asked whether the government is prepared to offer financial assistance to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in flood relief efforts nationwide.

She said NADMA is also holding regular disaster management meetings before, during and after the monsoon season, based on weather projections up to March next year.

Replying to a supplementary question from Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading) on allegations that individuals or NGOs were being prevented from sending aid to relief centres, Nancy said such claims were baseless, stressing that all contributions are welcome.

However, she said aid distribution must be coordinated at the secretariat level to prevent duplication, ensure assistance matches victims’ needs and avoid wastage, adding that those wishing to help should first contact the state or district Disaster Operations Control Centre.

Responding to Nurul Amin’s original question on the current flood situation and the government’s level of preparedness, Nancy said a total of 9,058 relief centres capable of accommodating 2.2 million evacuees have been activated.

To facilitate the efficient delivery of assistance, she said eight depots, 138 district stores, 68 mini depots and 561 forward bases have also been activated.

“As of 8 am today, 35 districts in seven states have been hit, involving 29,400 victims from 10,193 families who have been placed at 216 relief centres. Three districts in Kelantan recorded the highest number of evacuees, namely Tumpat, Kota Bharu and Bachok,” she said.

She said 103,500 personnel from various agencies and nearly 40,000 assets have been mobilised, with round-the-clock monitoring carried out through the National Disaster Command Centre.

Nancy said the northeast monsoon, which is expected to persist until March next year, has prompted the government to strengthen its technical preparedness, including updating 3,682 flood hotspots nationwide identified by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage.

At the same time, she said the Minerals and Geoscience Department has identified 254 critical slopes at risk of landslides, which require close monitoring throughout the monsoon season.

-- BERNAMA