All flood aid announced by previous govt continues, says Ahmad Zahid

Photo: Bernama

PASIR MAS: All aid and incentives announced by the previous government for flood victims will continue, including the Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) of RM1,000 to each household, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the aid would only be given to registered and eligible flood victims.

"This payment will be made soon before the flood recedes and (before) the victims return home.

"Based on past experience, the number of registered flood victims is not the same as the number of applications," he said after visiting flood victims at Sekolah Kebangsaan Gual Tok Deh here on Thursday (Dec 15).

Also present were Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong and Rantau Panjang MP Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the government, together with implementing agencies, would continue to take proactive measures to ensure the aid is channelled smoothly.

Prior to this, the previous government under former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the government will contribute RM10,000 for each household affected by the floods in Terengganu and Kelantan.

He said the aid would include RM2,500 for the purchase of essential goods, a discount for vehicle repairs, RM500 rebate for purchase of electrical appliances and repair of houses damaged in the floods.

Ahmad Zahid said the government is also committed to continuing any project that has been approved by the previous administration, such as flood mitigation, which will be implemented as soon as possible.

"During the special Parliament session this Dec 19, the government will table the emoluments and expenses for ongoing projects," he said.

On damaged roads in the rural areas, Ahmad Zahid said the matter was being coordinated for immediate implementation by the ministry. – Bernama