Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says NADMA is prepared for further flooding and has ordered immediate compassionate aid disbursement to victims.
BAGAN DATUK: The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) is on alert for a potential second wave of floods while ensuring immediate coordination of aid for victims.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said preparations have been enhanced following an extraordinary weather phenomenon. This includes a rare tropical cyclone in the Straits of Malacca which inundated previously unaffected areas.
Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, said additional assistance has been coordinated and is ready for disbursement. He instructed that compassionate aid be given immediately, even while victims are still at relief centres.
“According to the regulation, three days after the temporary relief centre is closed, compassionate aid is given. My instruction is that there is nothing wrong with giving it out when they are still at the centre,” he told reporters after a flood briefing.
He said victims urgently need money to buy new household equipment to replace flood-damaged items. “I know that it is insufficient, but the government’s concern is to help,” he added.
The Deputy Prime Minister said preparations for a possible second or third wave of floods have also been coordinated. He cited NADMA’s preparedness month exercise in Jerantut, Pahang, last month as part of the enhanced readiness.
During his visit to relief centres, Ahmad Zahid addressed a water supply issue caused by a burst pipe. He said he has asked the Perak Water Board to send tankers to pump water into the centres’ main tanks.
He thanked all parties involved in helping to resolve flood problems nationwide, including in the Bagan Datuk district. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Bagan Datuk MP, visited several relief centres in the area.
