Floods: Overall losses estimated at up to RM6.5bil, says Tok Pa

PETALING JAYA: Losses caused by the floods that hit 50 districts across several states in December are estimated to be between RM5.3bil and RM6.5bil, according to the Statistics Department.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economic Affairs) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said losses involving public assets and infrastructure such as roads and bridges were the highest at RM2bil.

Others include damage caused to houses, with estimated losses of between RM1.2bil and RM1.4bil; vehicles (RM1billion to RM1.3bil); manufacturing sector (RM800 million to RM1bil); business premises (RM500 million to RM600 million); and agriculture sector (RM40.9 million to RM49.9 million).

“The government, through the Statistics Department, has taken the initiative to prepare a comprehensive flood impact study for all affected states,” he said on Monday (Jan 12).

He was speaking at the launch of the department’s Household Income Expenditure and Basic Amenities Survey (HIES/BA) 2022.

On the HIES/BA 2022, Mustapa said the survey would be conducted through face-to-face interviews involving about 93,000 households or 500,000 residents nationwide that will be conducted from January to December.

Mustapa said among the objectives of the survey were to study and analyse household income and expenditure patterns as well as provide poverty statistics especially poverty rate up to the administrative district level.

“It helps the government plan and monitor the effectiveness of the implementation of the national development plans, especially to improve the well-being of the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the findings of the HIES/BA 2022 survey would provide comprehensive input towards the implementation of existing policies such as the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals and the 12th Malaysia Plan. – Bernama