TUMPAT: Flood relief goods ought to be routed through the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to ensure efficient and fair distribution, says Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
The Women, Family, and Community Development Minister expressed concerns about overlapping aid where some flood victims received duplicate donations while others were overlooked.
"I've been informed that some flood victims have received duplicate aid and goods,” she said during a press conference after visiting flood victims at the relief centre at SK Seri Tumpat 2 on Thursday (Dec 5).
Nancy emphasised that while contributions from external parties are appreciated, they should be coordinated through authorities like Nadma to prevent unfairness in distribution.
She pointed out that when donations are repeatedly given to the same individuals, others in need may be neglected, leaving them without crucial assistance.
"We must prevent this from happening again. Today, we're here to assess what needs to be prioritised for the next wave,” she said.
Nancy divulged that additional essential supplies have been stocked at storage depots, in preparation for the next wave of floods, which could happen at any moment.
She also noted that her ministry is identifying other forms of assistance required by flood victims, including deploying teams to help clean and restore flood-damaged homes.
Nancy mentioned that a national-level meeting has been convened to prepare for the next wave, which is expected to be more intense.
"God willing, the Social Welfare Department (JKM) will be there. We won't let the people face this hardship alone,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast a monsoon surge from Dec 8 to 14, which is expected to bring continuous rain to the eastern regions of Peninsular Malaysia during this period. – Bernama
