Perak govt will allocate more funds to repair 'tornado' damage if necessary, says MB

IPOH: Additional allocations will be given to the victims of the freak storm in Kampung Tawas if necessary, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

The Perak Mentri Besar said the state might not be able to cover all the losses suffered by the victims, but would try to help in repairing their houses.

"We certainly won't be able to pay for all the losses but we have called several local contractors to help the residents with repairs, replacing roofs, and more.

"The help could be delayed due to the Chinese New Year celebration," he said after attending the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) Chinese New Year celebration at Weil Hotel on Thursday (Feb 3).

Saarani said he would contact the Kinta district officer regarding claims made by several residents who had yet to receive the RM300 allocation given by the state.

"Earlier, we were told that only 219 houses were affected by the freak storm. Perhaps those who haven't received it (the allocation) are additional (victims).

"I will contact the district officer to discuss the possibility of adding more funds," he said.

On Sunday (Jan 30), a total of 219 houses in four residential areas – Kampung Tawas, Taman Tasek Damai, Taman Desa Seri Chepor and Kampung Seri Klebang Tambahan – were hit by a freak storm.

After visiting the area on Monday (Jan 31), Saarani said each affected household would receive RM300 from the state government and an additional RM1,000 from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).

Saarani said residents would need to wait for a while to receive the funds from Nadma.

"Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Special Functions) Datuk Mastura Mohd Yazid visited the affected area and announced the aid.

"However Nadma needs the exact figure of the affected houses before channelling the cash," he said.