RM7m allocated for monsoon disaster response

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allocated RM7 million to cover immediate expenses for states and relevant agencies to ensure smooth coordination and disaster response during the northeast monsoon.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the funds, channelled through the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), also cover compassionate aid payments.

“This is crucial for those affected by disasters. The payments will be made based on heads of households registered through the Social Welfare Department MyInfo Bencana system and credited directly by Bank Simpanan Nasional within three days after temporary relief centres close,” she said during Ministers’ Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on behalf of the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

Nancy was responding to a supplementary question from Nurul Amin Hamid (PN-Padang Terap) on whether the government is prepared to assist NGOs involved in flood relief nationwide.

She said Nadma also holds regular disaster management meetings before, during and after the monsoon season, based on weather projections up to March next year.

Replying to Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading) on allegations that individuals or NGOs were blocked from sending aid, Nancy said the claims are baseless.

She stressed that all contributions are welcome but must be coordinated through state or district disaster operations control centres to prevent duplication, ensure aid matches needs and avoid wastage.

On the flood situation and government preparedness, she said 9,058 relief centres capable of accommodating 2.2 million evacuees have been activated.

To facilitate assistance, eight depots, 138 district stores, 68 mini depots and 561 forward bases are operational.

She added that 103,500 personnel and nearly 40,000 assets have been mobilised, with around-the-clock monitoring via the National Disaster Command Centre.

Nancy said the northeast monsoon, expected to continue until March, has prompted strengthened technical preparedness, including updates to 3,682 flood hotspots nationwide identified by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage.

The Minerals and Geoscience Department has also flagged 254 critical slopes at risk of landslides, which will be closely monitored throughout the monsoon season. – Bernama