Speed up aid to flood victims in rural areas, says King

 

Cooking for the masses: Sultan Abdullah (second from left), Tunku Azizah, Tengku Ahmad (left) and Pahang Mentri Besar, Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail preparing food for flood victims at the Sri Damai evacuation centre. — Bernama

KUANTAN: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has called on the relevant authorities to be more proactive in delivering aid to flood victims stranded in rural areas.

Sultan Abdullah said both he and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah had read numerous posts of those seeking help on social media such as Twitter.

“There are those who say they are stranded in one place with no assistance in sight. I hope we can help them immediately and make sure they are safe.

“The relevant parties need to be more proactive to expedite relief in times of emergency, ” said His Majesty.

Earlier, Sultan Abdullah drove a four-wheel-drive vehicle to the temporary flood relief centre in Wisma Belia here to help flood victims, accompanied by his son Tengku Panglima Muda Tengku Ahmad Ismail Mu’adzam Shah.

His Majesty also expressed his sympathy for all the flood victims and said he hoped that the people would receive appropriate assistance.

“We are all facing a big test and I hope everyone involved are patient.

“All parties should also observe the standard operating procedure so that no staff or flood victims are infected with Covid-19, ” he said.

Sultan Abdullah also presented personal contributions and relief items such as anti-bacterial soap and snacks to 178 people from 43 families housed at the shelter.

While the King met and talked to flood victims, Tunku Azizah prepared meals for flood victims at the Sri Damai evacuation centre here, which houses 128 people from 49 families.

Among the dishes prepared with the help of University College of Yayasan Pahang’s final year students in its diploma in culinary arts programme, were ayam masak kicap halia, kobis masak lemak, sardin goreng and salted eggs.

Student Izzudin Mat Zin, 20, expressed his admiration for the Raja Permaisuri Agong’s skills in cooking large quantities while overseeing the kitchen to ensure all dishes were ready in a short period of time.

“I also gained new knowledge when she reprimanded me for cutting the ingredients wrongly. I was surprised that despite being busy cooking dishes, Her Majesty still observed the way I worked, ” he said.

His coursemate Muhammad Ariff Hashim, 23, described the opportunity to cook with Tunku Azizah as an opportunity to learn her recipes. — Bernama