Kuala lumpur: The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) is on alert for the possibility of a second wave of floods, while ensuring coordination of bantuan wang ihsan (compassionate aid) and that the requirements of victims are met immediately. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said preparations have been enhanced following the extraordinary weather phenomenon, including the occurrence of a tropical cyclone (Senyar Tropical Storm) in the Straits of Malacca, which rarely occurs, causing previously unaffected areas to be inundated.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said additional assistance has been coordinated and is in place so compassionate aid can be disbursed. “According to the regulation, three days after the temporary relief centre is closed, compassionate aid is given. My instruction is that there is nothing wrong with giving it out when they are still at the centre. I have instructed that, starting today, this aid must be provided, as they urgently need money to buy new household equipment and appliances to replace those damaged by floods.”
Ahmad Zahid emphasized that while the aid might be insufficient, the government’s intention is to assist, acknowledging that the situation is beyond control and must be accepted as fated. He shared these insights with reporters after attending a briefing on the flood situation.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament, mentioned that preparations for potential subsequent waves of floods have been coordinated. He highlighted NADMA’s preparedness activities held in Jerantut, Pahang, which have been synchronized at national, state, and district levels to ensure better coordination.
During his visit to several relief centres, Ahmad Zahid noted that a burst pipe had prevented water distribution to some affected areas. He has requested the Perak Water Board to deploy water tankers to provide water to the centres, ensuring that evacuees have adequate access to water.
He expressed gratitude to all involved parties for their efforts in addressing flood-related issues across the nation, particularly in the Bagan Datuk district. Earlier in the day, he visited various relief centres, including the Dewan UMNO, District Office Hall, Tanah Bagan Datuk, and Bagan Datuk Youth and Sports Ministry Hall, along with surveying his residence in Kampung Sungai Nipah Darat.