Kuala lumpur: The Melaka government announced the Melaka Sayang Rakyat Special Assistance (MeSRa) Free Water Bills initiative for flood victims, aiming to exempt them from water bill payments for July usage. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh revealed the program, which involves RM50,000 in financial implications for the state and is expected to benefit approximately 327 families impacted by the recent floods.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh emphasized that the initiative is designed to alleviate the burden on affected families during the recovery period. Speaking at the Melaka State Legislative Assembly session at the Seri Negeri Complex, he assured that further details on the assistance period, eligibility, and implementation will be announced soon by the relevant agencies.

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of simplifying the assistance process, ensuring that families who have dealt with the aftermath of the floods are not overwhelmed with excessive paperwork. He highlighted that verified victim data should allow for immediate, transparent distribution of aid.

While acknowledging that the free water bill initiative cannot compensate for all losses suffered, he noted it represents the state government's commitment to supporting the community in times of disaster. He also instructed relevant departments to expedite cleaning efforts, damage assessments, and the delivery of assistance to frequently affected areas.

Melaka Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) director Mohd Adnan Ahmad Fauzi previously reported that high rainfall in Melaka Tengah and Alor Gajah, caused by Tropical Storm Senyar, contributed to the flooding in both districts. The highest cumulative rainfall recorded exceeded 100 millimetres in these areas.