Disaster victims can now claim RM1,000 Bantuan Wang Ihsan every three months, with automatic bank transfers through the MyIBJKM system.
PASIR MAS: The government has expanded the Bantuan Wang Ihsan programme for disaster victims, allowing payments to be claimed every three months instead of only once per monsoon season.
National Disaster Management Agency Community and Social Development Section director Jefny Muhammad said this improvement ensures repeatedly affected victims continue receiving appropriate assistance.
“Previously, aid was provided only once during the Northeast Monsoon, but now claims can be made every three months, even outside the monsoon period,” he told reporters after officiating the Disaster Readiness Programme closure here.
He explained that victims can receive RM1,000 if their house is affected in November, then claim again if another disaster occurs three months later in March.
Jefny clarified that BWI covers not only floods but also storms, landslides, and any natural disasters causing residential damage.
The new procedure has been incorporated into the MyIBJKM system to facilitate registration and eligibility checks for victims.
Payments will now be made automatically and transferred directly into victims’ bank accounts through Bank Simpanan Nasional or other registered banks.
Jefny emphasised that early registration in MyIBJKM is crucial to streamline transfers at evacuation centres and maintain accurate records.
Regarding Northeast Monsoon preparedness, he confirmed all security agencies coordinated by NADMA are now on full alert.
“MetMalaysia has issued an early warning that the monsoon began on November 6 and will continue until March next year,” he said.
Jefny noted Thailand also issued flood warnings yesterday, while Malaysia has completed preparations for any eventuality.
All states have held disaster management meetings to streamline flood preparations and ensure adequate allocations at state level.
Disaster management operation funding has been channelled by NADMA to all states and implementing agencies.
Meanwhile, Jefny revealed over 62,000 heads of household in Kelantan had registered in MyIBJKM as of October 31.
This number represents early registration and is expected to increase as more victims register.
“Registration is important for record-keeping and aid distribution,” he added, noting victims can register at relief centres or Social Welfare Department designated locations during disasters. – Bernama
