Rantau panjang: The government has announced an expansion of its Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) programme, allowing disaster victims to claim payments every three months instead of the previous once-a-year claims during the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jefny Muhammad, Director of the Community and Social Development Section at the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), stated that this change is designed to ensure continued support for victims who face repeated disasters. He explained that under the new policy, victims can claim RM1,000 if their homes are affected by a disaster, and they can make another claim if another disaster strikes three months later. This policy applies not only to floods but also to other natural disasters such as storms and landslides.

Jefny highlighted that the updated BWI procedure is now integrated into the MyIBJKM system, enabling easier registration and eligibility checks for victims. Payments will be processed automatically and transferred directly to victims’ bank accounts through Bank Simpanan Nasional or other registered banks. He underscored the importance of early registration in the MyIBJKM system to ensure efficient fund transfers and accurate record-keeping at temporary evacuation centers.

In preparation for the MTL, Jefny said that NADMA has coordinated with security agencies, and all are on full alert. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued an early warning for the MTL, which started on November 6 and will continue until March. Jefny noted that Malaysia is prepared for potential floods, with disaster management meetings held across all states to streamline preparations and ensure adequate funding.

Moreover, Jefny reported that as of October 31, more than 62,000 heads of household in Kelantan have registered in the MyIBJKM application, with numbers expected to rise as more victims register. He emphasized the importance of registration for effective aid distribution, advising victims to register at relief centers or designated locations by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) when disasters occur.