Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says a proposal to increase Bantuan Wang Ihsan for disaster victims will be brought to the cabinet for approval.
KUANTAN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a proposal to increase the amount of Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) cash aid for disaster victims will be brought to the cabinet meeting.
He said the move aims to ease the burden on disaster-hit families amid rising living costs.
“It was recently increased from RM500 to RM1,000, but I will bring it to the cabinet for approval, with any further increase depending on the government’s capacity,” he told reporters after visiting flood victims here today.
Ahmad Zahid said the initiative meets current needs to protect the welfare of disaster victims, especially for basic needs and post-disaster recovery.
He added that the government will now provide BWI to flood victims at registered relief centres before they return home.
“Under the old rules, they only received payment three days after the relief centre was vacated,” he said, noting the improvement reflects Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s concern.
The Rural and Regional Development Minister said 77% of BWI, covering 47,000 household heads, has been distributed, with the rest to be handled by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
He also warned that heavy rains during the second wave of the 2025-2026 Northeast Monsoon season will be five to seven times more intense than the first wave.
“We hope that for the upcoming heavy rainfall wave, the public, especially those in identified flood-prone areas, will follow all instructions issued by the Disaster Operations Control Centre,” he said.
Asked about plans if the number of victims exceeds relief centre capacity, he said the government allows states to find suitable locations, such as halls or schools, to serve as additional centres.
“I will coordinate with the Menteri Besar, State Secretary, District and Land Offices, and District Education Office to manage the situation,” he said.
