Johor MPs request for more flood relief assistance

 

PARLIAMENT | Several Johor MPs debating the budget today have raised the issue of inadequate assistance provided for over 40,000 flood victims across the state.

Aminolhuda Hassan (Pakatan Harapan-Sri Gading) requested the government to increase the announced RM50 million allocation for urgent relief work, on top of better coordination by parties assisting flood victims in temporary shelters.

"We request for the amount to be increased from RM50 million to RM150 million," said Aminolhuda, adding there are 25 temporary shelters set up under his constituency.

Aminolhuda Hassan

He also highlighted complaints of delays in the distribution of basic amenities at the shelters, particularly blankets and food.

"We found that the distribution was too slow. After three days, there are still people waiting for blankets. That can pose a safety issue," he said.

He also urged the government to better manage the distribution of food prepared by local catering companies in order to prevent delays in delivery.

"The companies should not accept too many orders... the government can consider increasing the number of caterers," he said.

Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) also raised a similar issue on low-quality food being served to flood victims at temporary relief centres in his constituency.

"Right now, we do not know what is the allocation for each flood victim," he said.

Yesterday, Wee, after visiting several relief centres, said the amount of food served was inadequate and that the delivery of food was also very late, with breakfast only served after 11am, while some had lunch served after 2pm.

"I urge the government to urgently look into this matter," he said.

Wee Ka Siong

Earlier, Muhyiddin Yassin (Perikatan Nasional-Pagoh) reminded the government to set aside political sentiments in providing flood relief assistance.

He said this includes for the government to approve an RM300,000 allocation for all MPs whose areas were affected by the flood in order for them to provide urgent assistance to their constituents.

Muhyiddin Yassin

In welcoming the RM50 million allocation for Johor, Muhyiddin also said the government should consider increasing the amount to RM100 million.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, after a visit to Johor yesterday, said there was no need to declare a state of emergency as the situation had improved.

However, Anwar, who is also finance minister, said implementation of flood mitigation projects in the state would be expedited. - Mkini