DAP: Putrajaya should give RM500 for Penang flood victims too

PETALING JAYA: DAP’s Steven Sim is hopeful that Putrajaya will do what they have done for Kelantan flood victims by giving RM500 to those in Penang who have been badly affected by the devastating floods earlier this month.

Calling the flood relief given to victims of the December 2014 flood in Kelantan a precedent, Sim said a similar gift would be of great benefit for the people of Penang, in addition to the RM700 already given by the state government.

“While Prime Minister Najib Razak promised to help when he visited Penang following the recent floods, we have yet to hear of his specific aid,” he said.

He also called for the prime minister to immediately release the RM1 billion fund to implement flood mitigation projects as promised by the federal government previously.

Additionally, the Bukit Mertajam MP said all the efforts to help the people, especially in the purchase of essentials, would be negated with the goods and services tax (GST) adding to the burden.

“Therefore, I want to call upon Putrajaya to suspend the GST in Penang until the end of the year.

“Many vendors have offered to sell products or services at cost or with substantial discounts to flood victims. Yet victims will still have to pay GST.

“As it is, GST is already a burden to the people. In a post-disaster situation, this will only aggravate,” Sim said, adding that suspending GST in the coming months will help to lighten the burdens of Penang flood victims.

Sim, who is also Penang DAP director of political education, lauded the state government’s efforts to alleviate the financial burden of the people in the state.

“The state government announced a 50% discount on the water bill and exemption of Water Conservation Surcharge for the next billing cycle.

“The two local councils will also provide a 10% reduction on assessment of all properties in Penang,” he said, referring to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP).

He added that the DAP-led administration has also promised to replace for free, state government documents such as land title, which had been damaged or lost due to the floods.

Sim said the contribution by the business community was most worthy of mention.

“Banks announced moratorium on loan repayments. Grab and Uber gave discounts on trips made in Penang.

“A network of 59 private clinics all over the state offered to provide free medical treatment for the next four weeks through the ‘Pulau Pinang Bangkit’ programme launched by the state government,” he said.

He added that companies selling electrical appliances, furniture and even cars had offered free or substantial discounts on their products and services. -FMT