KUALA LUMPUR: The government will uphold its strategy of delivering assistance directly to flood victims through relevant agencies, as opposed to channeling aid via elected representatives, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, emphasized that aid has been consistently provided by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department, and other pertinent agencies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid noted that the Social Welfare Department (JKM), along with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), have also contributed significantly to relief efforts. He remarked that the presence of these agencies at flood sites, particularly at temporary relief centers (PPS), has mitigated the frustrations of flood victims who observed the absence of elected representatives on the ground. His comments followed an interview on Bernama TV
‘s Ruang Bicara program.

In Parliament, Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim urged the government to allocate RM1 million immediately to opposition MPs representing flood-hit areas to facilitate aid distribution. Similarly, Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal requested that financial assistance be directed to elected representatives in affected regions to prevent delays in aid reaching victims. Ahmad Zahid, however, stressed the importance of state assemblymen and members of Parliament using their methods to assist constituents while emphasizing voter welfare.

During an interview on the ‘Two Years of MADANI with Zahid Hamidi’ program, Ahmad Zahid reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the ‘colour blindness’ policy in aid distribution, ensuring assistance is provided irrespective of the area. He called for collaboration between federal and state governments to prioritize the welfare of all affected citizens. Ahmad Zahid expressed hope that all states, regardless of the ruling party, would align wit
h the MADANI Government’s objectives.

Additionally, Ahmad Zahid highlighted the government’s preparedness for an anticipated second wave of floods from December 8 to 14 due to the monsoon. The preparations include identifying 8,481 PPS capable of accommodating over 2.1 million flood victims simultaneously and involving 82,000 staff from various agencies in aid coordination. He assured that while the first wave of floods has passed, the government is prepared for any eventualities, prioritizing proactive measures over reactive recovery.