Govt to provide immediate allocation to build, repair facilities in flooded areas

The government, via the Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government, will provide immediate allocations to build and repair infrastructure in residential areas affected by the floods.

Without stating the amount of the allocation, the minister responsible, Tan Sri Noh Omar said the allocation on the basis of 'quick-wind' was an initiative by the government to assist flood victims in overcoming the recurring floods.

"The allocation will be channelled in stages to the whole area affected (by the floods) nationwide. For Hulu Besut alone, the cost of repairing the affected infrastructure could reach up to RM790 million.

"We understand the need to improve and repair infrastructures such as drains that need to be deepened, some are narrow and need to be widened as they would also influence the flood disaster.

"So, we urge the parties concerned to immediately submit their applications to the KPKT (Ministry of Housing and Local Government) and the allocation will be channelled as soon as possible," he told reporters after making a visit to flood-affected areas and giving of contributions to flood victims in Kampung La, Hulu Besut here on Saturday.

Also present were his deputy, Datuk Halimah Mohd Sadique, JBPM Director-General Datuk Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim and chairman of the State Rural Development, Entrepreneur, Cooperatives and Consumerism Committee Nawi Mohamad who is also the Hulu Besut Assemblyman.

The floods in Kelantan and Terengganu recently affected about 20,000 victims. -- BERNAMA