PUTRAJAYA: The government’s agencies are actively responding to the floods in Kedah, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He stated that the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) is always prepared for any disaster. While the current floods in Kedah were unanticipated, the Federal Government is working closely with the state government and local agencies to ensure that victims receive assistance.
Fadillah made these remarks to the media after launching the Artificial Intelligence Governance and Ethics on Friday (Sept 20).
"These floods in Kedah were unpredictable due to climate change. We do not hesitate to provide assistance when a disaster strikes.
"Nadma acted immediately when the floods hit Kedah, moving victims to flood shelters. The state government has announced assistance, and the Federal Government will also help.
"We have standard operating procedures in place, and they are automatically activated when disasters occur.
"We must also consider long-term planning to mitigate the risks of flooding and ensure measures are taken to avoid such disasters in the medium and long terms," said Fadillah.
On Thursday (Sept 19), the Kedah state government announced RM1,000 in Community Welfare Assistance to each head of household who relocates to a temporary flood evacuation centre in the state.
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor stated that the initial aid is coordinated through the Disaster Operations Control Centre in each affected district.
He mentioned that the federal government's RM1,000 contribution will be distributed through Nadma and channelled via the Kedah State Development Office to the flood victims.
As of 2pm on Thursday (Sept 19), a total of 29 flood relief centres were opened across seven districts, including eight in Kota Setar, four in Pokok Sena, three in Pendang, seven in Kubang Pasu, one in Bandar Baharu, three in Kulim, and three in Kuala Muda.
"A total of 3,835 victims, including 1,137 heads of household, are in all the relief centres. I advise all individuals to follow the authorities' instructions if ordered to move to the centres," he said.
Muhammad Sanusi added that failing to relocate to the relief centres or comply with procedures would disqualify flood victims from receiving government aid.
