RANTAU PANJANG: The Government is considering giving an RM500 cash aid to flood victims who were affected in the first-round of the monsoon season.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the Government would only make the decision after the necessary information, such as the amount of losses suffered by the flood victims, has been gathered.
“We will do whatever we can and figure out the type of assistance we can afford to help the flood victims. We will consider giving the cash aid after we count the losses.
“This round of flood is similar to what happened in 2016 but not as bad as 2014 as the northeast monsoon season has yet to end, which is expected to end in February,” she told reporters after visiting flood victims at SK Gual Tinggi here today.
Dr Wan Azizah, who is also Women, Family and Community Development Minister, said the Government not only focuses on Pasir Mas and Rantau Panjang areas, but also other areas.
“The construction of flood mitigation project is also under the Government's plan,” she said.
Dr Wan Azizah hoped all agencies would increase their preparations during this monsoon season.
“I was informed that there are relief centres that need to be improved in term of supplies to the flood victims particularly to women and children.
“Blankets and other necessities must be taken into account. Female victims also need to pray, and there are also disabled people at the centres," she said.
On floods in other states such as Terengganu, she said she has yet to gather information as she has not visited Terengganu.
Dr Wan Azizah, who arrived at the centre at 10am, spent about 45 minutes talking to the flood victims, and presented food items.
Also present were National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director-general Datuk Mohtar Mohd Abd Rahman, State Women, Family and State Welfare Agency chairman Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi, and Kelantan police chief Datuk Hasanuddin Hassan.
A total of 809 flood victims from 463 families are now housed at the centre.
Dr Wan Azizah is scheduled to visit flood victims at SK Kamil 1 in Pasir Putih later before heading to Jerteh, Terengganu to visit flood victims at SK Sri Payong.