KUALA LUMPUR – The government is considering recognising flash floods as among the definitions of a disaster as recognised by the National Security Council (NSC), to facilitate aid to victims.
Deputy special functions minister Datuk Mastura Mohd Yazid acknowledged that presently the definition of flash flood under the Irrigation and Drainage Department is not included in Directive No. 20 of the NSC.
“This matter about the restructuring (of the directive) is being studied by the relevant quarters so that catastrophes in whatever form have to be taken into consideration, be it flash flood or other disasters,” she said.
Mastura was responding to questions in the Dewan Rakyat following a debate to discuss last Monday’s flash floods that inundated several areas in the Klang Valley.
Under Directive No. 20 of the NSC, a disaster is defined as an incident, which occurs in a sudden manner and complex in its nature, and which causes loss of lives, damage to property or natural environment, and brings a deep effect to local activities.
Natural disasters, meanwhile, are defined to include major flooding, typhoon and storm, earthquake, tsunami, drought and landslide.
Under the current government policy, a cash assistance of RM1,000 can be given to victims of disasters that are recognised by NSC.
The amount was doubled from the original RM500 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob last September, in acknowledging the hardships faced by victims.
Mastura said even if flash floods are not considered disasters at the moment, assistance can be provided to the victims on the recommendation of the disaster committee of the affected district or territory.
She said this recommendation will be given based on the impact of the disaster.
“If the impact reaches a certain level, for instance causes damage to properties and lives, as well as forces victims to seek shelter at evacuation centres, then aid can be considered,” she said. – The Vibes, March 9, 2022
