KUALA LUMPUR – The government will provide financing of up to RM5,000 through Bank Simpanan Nasional to entrepreneurs affected by the floods, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.
In a statement, Ismail Sabri said the financing is interest-free with the payment period to commence only after six months of the agreement being signed.
In addition, he said government-linked investment companies (GLICs) and government-linked companies (GLCs) have agreed to contribute RM50.8 million to assist in flood management and post-flood recovery efforts.
“This is an increase of more than 100% compared to the RM25 million announced yesterday.
“GLICs and GLCs that have contributed include Petronas, Petronas Foundation, Khazanah Nasional and Yayasan Hasanah, Sime Darby Foundation, CIMB, Celcom, Telekom Malaysia, UEM Foundation and the Employees Provident Fund.
“With a government grant of RM25 million, this means the fund to handle the impact of floods and post-flood recovery is RM75.8 million,” he said after chairing the National Disaster Coordination Special Meeting this evening.
The Bera MP also said the government has agreed to provide two months of rent waivers to tenants of SME Bank’s Entrepreneur Premises Complex who are affected by the floods.
A total of RM30 million has also been allocated for the flood recovery loan through Tekun Nasional.
“Affected cooperatives will also be assisted through the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia’s Cooperative Emergency Assistance up to RM30,000.”
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said the meeting held today has decided that the National Security Council (NSC) will issue instructions to all parties on immediate actions that need to be taken.
“The National Disaster Management Agency will remain the main secretariat for disaster management and handle all coordination. If an action is not complied with, NSC will issue further instructions,” he added.
On Taman Sri Muda, one of the worst flood-hit areas in Shah Alam, Ismail Sabri said he has instructed all agencies to intensify efforts to help the victims there.
“The flood issue in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam must be resolved immediately.
“As of this evening, 41 boats, 16 lorries, and other assets have been mobilised to Taman Seri Muda along with 321 rescue team members,” he said.
The Environment and Water Ministry, through the Irrigation and Drainage Department, has also been instructed to immediately mobilise 20 mobile pumps, an addition to four existing pumps, to affected areas.
“This is to pump water from areas experiencing stagnant flooding to nearby rivers. Additional pumps obtained from various agencies, including those owned by the Selangor DID, will be used to drain stagnant water into the Klang River.
“I also agree with the proposal that some parts of the river embankment be broken or drilled temporarily to drain the stagnant water immediately out into the river. The locations of the perforations are being finalised,” he said. – The Vibes, December 20, 2021
