Pahang incurs losses of RM610 million

Losses amounting to RM610 million was recorded in the flood disaster that affected Pahang recently following damages to properties, agricultural produce and infrastructure in the state.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said, in the worst flood disaster since 1971, losses amounting to RM348.5 million were incurred due to infrastructure damage involving roads, bridges and public utilites.

"In the agricultural sector, we face losses of over RM65.1 million and 219 houses in seven districts, including Jerantut, Kuantan, Lipis and Temerloh, are also destroyed in the natural disaster," he said.

He disclosed this to reporters after jointly chairing the Pahang State Post Flood Coordinating Meeting with Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in Wisma Sri Pahang here today.

Adnan said the state government would give priority to build houses for flood victims, whose homes were destroyed by the flood as soon as possible involving costs of between RM40,000 and RM45,000 per unit.

"We will get help from the army's engineer corps for that purpose while those with badly affected houses will be given aid of RM10,000 and between RM4,000 and RM5,000 for less damaged houses," he said.

Throughout the flood, he said the state government also spent RM3.5 million as an immediate aid to flood victims. including food and essential items while another RM3.1 million was donated by non-governmental organisations and individuals.

Adnan said the state government was also making preparations to face the third wave expected to occur in March.