If you can’t give RM1,000, give RM500, minister urges Nadma

 

Many parts of Sarawak suffered from severe floods in February, including this village in Kota Samarahan, about 30km from Kuching. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The national disaster management agency (Nadma) has been urged to review the conditions for flood victims to receive the RM1,000 in disaster aid.

Kapit MP Alexander Nanta Linggi said the financial aid was distributed only to flood victims who agreed to be relocated to a government relief centre.

Nanta came to the defence of his constituents, saying in a Facebook post that those who did not evacuate had their reasons for doing so.

Alexander Nanta Linggi.

“It’s not that they did not want to leave, but there was no transport to relocate them. I was also made to understand that some were afraid of leaving their belongings (as they might get stolen),” he said.

Nanta, who is federal works minister, suggested that Nadma provide half the amount of aid to those affected. “If the victims are ineligible for the RM1,000, give RM500 as it would already be very helpful in reducing their burden,” he said.

Yesterday, Sarawak deputy premier Douglas Uggah Embas said about 5,600 households were affected by the floods in February while the RM1,000 aid has been channelled to around 3,600 families.

Uggah said the authorities were confirming the details of families who opted not to relocate to relief centres and their reasons for doing so. He said they would get the financial aid “if their reasons are reasonable”. - FMT