The lack of raw materials due to the massive floods that have hit Johor is what caused low-quality food to be served to evacuees at relief centres there.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri said this in response to an MP who had highlighted the matter recently.
"Following the allegation, the ministry, through the Social Welfare Department, conducted an investigation and found that the matter was due to the appointed suppliers finding it difficult to obtain raw materials due to the massive floods.
"The Batu Pahat Social Welfare Department has given advice and reprimanded suppliers to improve the food menu service provided, according to the rate that matches the agreed price. The suppliers have also been given a last chance to improve the quality of their service before further action is taken," she said in a statement today.
Nancy (above) was responding to Ayer Hitam MP Wee Ka Siong, who yesterday claimed that low-quality was being served at several flood relief centres in Johor.
Apart from being served a small amount of food and undercooked rice, some of the evacuees had also received breakfast after 11am and lunch after 2pm, he said in a Facebook video recorded after he visited a school in Taman Kota, Yong Peng.
The school has been turned into a temporary relief shelter that hosted some 375 victims from 105 families.
Wee, who is also MCA president, urged the Welfare Department to improve its management of flood relief centres, especially in preparing food for evacuees.
No compromise
Elaborating, Nancy assured that the Welfare Department will identify suppliers who can provide raw materials immediately when needed.
On Wee's suggestion that the department pass the duty to prepare food to local residential committees which can do rewang, which means collaborative activity by the local community, Nancy said the ministry is open to the idea.
However, this provided the matter complies with the guidelines and instructions issued by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), she said.
"The ministry advises all suppliers who are appointed to supply food to relief centres nationwide to provide the best service and follow the guidelines to ensure the welfare of flood victims is preserved.
"At the same time, the ministry will not compromise with suppliers who are negligent and do not comply with the guidelines," she warned.
It is worth noting that Johor is the worst hit by the current floods that have befallen the country.
As of 8am today, a total of 311 temporary flood relief centres have been opened across three states - namely Johor, Pahang, and Malacca. The majority of the centres (284) are in Johor, followed by Pahang (21) and Malacca (six). - Mkini
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