[UPDATED] Govt increases financial aid for funeral management to RM10,000: Ismail Sabri

KUALA LUMPUR – Following yesterday’s announcement to provide financial assistance of RM5,000 for funeral management of flood victims, the government has now increased the amount to RM10,000, said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The prime minister – during a press conference at the SK Bukit Piatu, Bentong, temporary relief centre this afternoon – said the bereavement aid will be given to the next of kin.

“We are truly saddened by what has happened to the flood victims. We will be giving RM10,000 to each casualty via their family members. This is from the federal government.

“It is understood that the Pahang government will be giving an additional RM5,000 to each flood victim who has passed away,” he said. 

Ismail Sabri – who is also Bera MP – said the government has agreed to channel an allocation of RM50 million to two of the worst-hit states, Selangor and Pahang.

“We will discuss how we channel the aid to these two states, but we have agreed to provide RM50 million to Pahang and Selangor.

“For other states affected by the floods, we will provide assistance based on the severity,” Ismail Sabri said.

Meanwhile, he acknowledged the clean-up works carried out by non-governmental organisations and volunteers at flood-hit areas.

He said Putrajaya has agreed to contribute a certain amount for their efforts.

“Although we know that they are doing it voluntarily, we will contribute to them because it is understood that some had needed to purchase water jets and other equipment, too.

“The amount will be decided at a later date,” said Ismail Sabri, who is also Umno vice-president. 

Government-linked investment companies and government-linked companies, which had previously agreed to contribute to the government to assist in post-flood recovery efforts, have collected RM70.8 million to date. – The Vibes, December 24, 2021