KUANTAN: A total of RM11mil has been allocated for the daily needs of flood victims, especially those housed in temporary evacuation centres, says Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
The amount included an additional allocation of RM8mil, approved at the state executive council meeting on Friday, he added.
“The RM11mil allocated this year is the second highest amount after the RM57mil allocated during the catastrophic floods in 2014/2015 to help 100,000 victims.
“The additional allocation channelled to the Social Welfare Department (JKM) is expected to help it continue to look after the welfare of flood victims, ” Wan Rosdy said in a statement.
He added that JKM had spent RM3.4mil on flood operations, with RM2.9mil spent on daily necessities for the evacuation centres.
“I hope those at the evacuation centres and in the field, including staff and volunteers, will focus on personal safety and health as well as maintain the standard operating procedure set to curb the spread of Covid-19, ” he said.
Pahang State Secretary Datuk Seri Dr Sallehuddin Ishak said the state government was also providing adequate drinking water supply for flood victims.
Sallehuddin, who is also the Pahang disaster management committee chairman, estimated that more than a million bottles of drinking water would be needed.
He welcomed contributions from the public and NGOs for this.
“Drinking water is one of the main necessities during the flood season because water treatment plants in some flood-affected locations have to be closed, ” he said.
As of yesterday morning, flood victims in Pahang comprised 26,375 people from 7,120 families housed in 274 shelters in nine districts.
Temerloh is the district most affected by the floods this time around. — Bernama
