PUTRAJAYA – The roll-out of the RM1,000 cash aid for households affected by the recent floods has been hampered by delays due to invalid claims, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Speaking at an event with his staffers at the Prime Minister’s Department here today, he said there were many “doubtful” applications for the cash aid, which led to setbacks in the distribution process.
“Some families had moved out of their homes when the water level was only at ankle level. They then went to stay with relatives instead of a temporary flood relief centre.
“There were applications from families in Selangor who stayed on the fifth floor in flats where the water level had only risen to the first floor.
“Besides that, there were even claims coming in from people whose homes did not suffer any damages and whose belongings were fine,” he said, adding that the government had to refer to community and village leaders to filter the claims.
Nonetheless, he said nearly 100% of those who had been forced out of their homes by the floods have received the aid.
He added that the government will not only be distributing a RM2,500 cash aid to help applicants purchase basic necessities, but also vouchers for the repair of vehicles and purchase of electrical appliances.
Reiterating his claim that the floods in Selangor were beyond expectations, Ismail Sabri said that authorities had responded well to the situation even when they did not foresee a disaster of such a magnitude.
“The floods in Selangor were unprecedented. I went to visit other states in the nation affected by the floods and I saw no issues in Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Johor, and even in Sabah.
“Despite all the trials we faced, the flood issue is over. We (the government) managed to handle all problems that emerged. Now, we have to move on and move forward.” – The Vibes, January 25, 2022
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