KUALA LUMPUR – Families affected by natural disasters, including the incoming northeast monsoon, will now receive financial aid of RM1,000 each instead of RM500, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced.
The prime minister said the decision was made during the Central Disaster Management Committee meeting that he chaired on Monday.
“The move to increase aid given proves the government’s concern for victims of disasters affected by the impact of the pandemic-hit economy.
“This initiative is expected to help reduce the burdens of over 39,100 households, involving over RM39.5 million from the Natural Disaster Relief Fund,” he said in a statement today.
Ismail Sabri said the assistance is not to compensate for damage caused to houses and other properties, but is meant to reduce the hardship felt by victims.
“This is among the government’s new approaches to improving our management and preparations for the northeast monsoon, which is expected to happen between November and March next year, affecting east coast states, Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak.
During his working visit to Sabah today, Ismail Sabri said he has allocated RM18.2 million to Sabah under the National Disaster Management Agency in preparation for disasters.
The allocation includes RM16 million for Covid-19 management, RM961,250 for the purchase of 2,500 units of C-tents, RM160,000 for 2,000 food kits, and RM1.1 million for state and districts’ disaster management operations.
Additionally, Ismail Sabri said that another RM9.5 million from the Natural Disaster Relief Fund will be given to the state.
Ismail said Monday’s meeting also decided that an “e-Sumbangan” system would be set up for non-governmental organisations, to act as a coordinating platform for aid between donors and NGOs to victims.
“Voluntary bodies that wish to send aid also need to obtain approval from the respective national, state, or district disaster management committees.” – The Vibes, September 16, 2021
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