PUCHONG: Members of the public are encouraged to coordinate with Social Welfare Department officers at temporary relief centres before sending aid to flood victims, says director-general Datuk Che Murad Sayang Ramjan.
Addressing claims that the department rejects public aid, Che Murad Sayang said there is a standard operating procedure for aid distribution.
"Malaysians are a generous bunch. But there are instances where people just come and give aid without knowing how much is needed.
"For example, if there are 600 victims at a centre and only 300 sets of aid are given, should we distribute it? Those who receive the aid are happy, but those who do not will be disappointed, and our officers end up facing criticism from both victims and the public.
"Our officers are on the receiving end of criticism in such situations," he said during a media briefing on preparations for the upcoming northeast monsoon season here on Thursday (Oct 30).
He also urged residents in flood-prone areas to register themselves and their family members on the MyIBJKM application to locate the nearest evacuation centres.
"Its use can also make the Bantuan Wang Ihsan aid application easier. Previously, it was a multi-layered process, but now, those registered can be directly submitted to the National Disaster Management Agency for payouts," he said.
The northeast monsoon is expected to begin in November and last until March next year.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, five to seven episodes of heavy continuous downpour are expected, and a weak La Nina has also been forecast during this period.
