AMONG states hit by serious floods, Penang has received the least in cash aid from Putrajaya from 2013 to 2017.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said out almost RM235 million spent in that period, Penang received only RM35,500 from the federal government following the September 15 flash floods.
“The federal government spent RM234.9 million in cash aid to assist disaster victims. Penang (received) the least from that amount.
“Either it was because Penang rarely had floods, or Penang is not given due attention by the federal government. It is up to Putrajaya to tell us which,” he told reporters at a press conference in Komtar today.
The reply to his question stated that RM500 was paid to each affected household. Kelantan was the biggest recipient, receiving RM90.34 million; followed by Pahang (RM41 million), Terengganu (RM34 million) and Sarawak (RM28.65 million).
In the list of 13 states and the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur, Penang was the smallest recipient.
Putrajaya’s reply to Lim also stated that the government normally did not give cash aid to flash flood victims, unlike flood victims on the East Coast; but the September 15 flash floods were severe enough for aid to be given.
Penang was hit by extraordinary rainfall of 270mm on September 15, flooding many areas.
Lim said he hoped the federal government would send cash aid to victims of Penang’s November 4 and 5 flash floods, which were more severe than the September incident.
The November disaster with 372mm rainfall and strong winds was Penang’s worst floods in 30 years, causing 12,559 people to be evacuated.
“I am not saying the federal government did not help. It did in rescue efforts, but we also hope it will send financial assistance and the RM1 billion allocation needed for approved flood mitigation projects ,” Lim said.
Lim said residents affected by the September floods that the RM400 one-off cash aid from the state government will be disbursed tomorrow.
Lim said 7,037 families were affected by the floods, and had been sent letters from the state government about the RM400 cash aid.
“We ask those who did not apply and did not receive the letter not to turn up at the locations where money will be disbursed.
“For those affected in the Batu Lanchang state constituency, the cash aid will be paid on Sunday,” he said.
Application forms for the RM700 November floods cash aid will only be available after November 20.
Lim also said many households affected by the November flash floods have requested for double burner cooking stoves.
He said electrical companies Wah Lee Group and Pensonic have offered to sell the stoves at 50% discount, charging only RM55 and RM65 respectively.
He asked donors to sponsor the stoves, which the two companies will deliver to the Silver Jubilee Home that was being used as a flood relief collection centre, to ensure that the discounted appliances will benefit only flood victims. – November 17, 2017.
Sources from: https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/23279/