TUMPAT, Dec 28 — The Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) has channelled nearly RM500,000 to flood victims in three East Coast states, since the first wave of floods hit the country in mid-November.
Its Deputy Minister Senator Zulkifli Hasan said the immediate donation, in the form of food items and personal hygiene kits, was distributed via the Rahmah Madani programme by its 14 agencies.
“We identified immediate assistance, in the form of food items and personal hygiene kits, as the main need in the current situation. So, we took the approach of distributing these items as initial assistance at the temporary relief centres (PPS).
“Thus far, we have spent almost RM500,000 for that purpose, and additional allocations will be considered from time to time, based on the needs of flood victims, including post-flood assistance,” he said.
Zulkifli was speaking to the press after visiting flood victims and distributing Rahmah Madani aid to 500 recipients from 172 families at SMK Chabang Empat today.
Earlier, he also presented similar contributions to residents affected by the floods in Kampung Topeng, Lubuk Jong, and Pasir Mas.
Zulkifli said the department will also extend aid to other states which are also facing flood problems, including Selangor.
Financial aid to flood victims, in addition to donations to repair houses after the flood, would also be considered.
“The Federal government has always been concerned with the people’s problems and takes this responsibility accordingly to help the flood victims.
“We will play a role as a supporting agency in the effort by trying to get additional funds through the main agencies under the department,” he said.
— Bernama
