Govt allocates RM3.5mil to deal with floods during north-east monsoon

KOTA BHARU: The government has allocated RM35.8mil to the Social Welfare Department to deal with floods during the north-east monsoon in 2023 and 2024.

The Women, Family and Community Development Minister said the welfare department has also allocated RM3mil to purchase retort packaging technology (so food can last 24 months without refrigeration) to supply food to flood victims within 24 hours.

"In addition, 5,167 officers and staff are ready to be mobilised at any time with the help of 157 counsellors and 864 psychological support teams.

"To launch operations at temporary relief centres, 8,543 welfare department volunteers are also ready to be mobilised," said Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri after visiting the Community Welfare Department's Storage Depot near Pengkalan Chepa on Monday (Dec 18).

Nancy said for the evacuation centre operation, 47,635 collapsible tents have been prepared to provide comfort for flood victims at 8,481 temporary relief centres identified across the country, which, in total, can accommodate as many as 2.15 million evacuees at any one time.

"Thus far, the welfare department has eight depots, 137 stores in districts, 60 mini-container depots and 580 forward bases to accommodate the basic needs of flood victims," she said.

Meanwhile, when asked to comment on the alleged fraud of a few flood victims registered at temporary relief centres, Nancy said the matter would be handed over to the Disaster Operations Control Centre for further action.

"We hope that community leaders also play an important role in helping government and state agencies to submit true and authentic reports about flood victims," she said. – Bernama