SHAH ALAM: The government has allocated RM127,456,800 for 318,642 smallholders across the country under the Monsoon Season Aid (BMT), announced Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The initiative aims to support smallholders impacted by floods, among other challenges, with each beneficiary receiving RM400 in two instalments of RM200 during November and December.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Rural and Regional Development Minister detailed that the aid will benefit smallholders associated with the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda), the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), and the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS). The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the RisSMart24 convenience store and the launch of the Risda Golden Jubilee Commemorative Coin at Glenmarie UOA Business Park. The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Rural and Regional Development deputy minister and secretary-general Datuk Rubiah Wang, Datuk Muhd K
hair Razman Mohamed Annuar, and Risda chairman Manndzri Nasib.
In another update, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that approximately 20 to 25 per cent of flood victims at relief centres in Kelantan and Terengganu are anticipated to return home gradually as the flood situation improves. He urged residents in low-lying areas of Pahang and Johor to remain vigilant due to potential runoff from Kelantan and Pahang.
Earlier, Ahmad Zahid noted that the flood situation nationwide is beginning to recover, with a decrease in evacuees at temporary relief centres. As the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, he stated that the Public Works Department (JKR) is collaborating with the Royal Army Engineers Regiment to identify roads that are cut off and require Bailey bridges.
He added, “We received information that locations for the construction of the bridges will be in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah, but continuous monitoring will be conducted in Pahang and Johor.” Ahmad Zahid had previously directed the expedited co
nstruction of Bailey bridges in flood-affected areas nationwide, citing that the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and JKR have sufficient stock for these constructions.