ALOR STAR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced a RM13 million allocation for flood repairs and compensation in the state.
He said the funds will be managed by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) and the State Secretary's Office.
"For Kota Setar alone, RM3 million has been set aside and RM10 million has been reserved for the rest of Kedah to ensure that any damage and reasonable compensation will be coordinated by Nadma, ICU and the state secretary, and this will be expedited.
"This is why we are here today, to ensure smooth management and that all aid reaches the people, and repair works involving infrastructure and padi farmers are expedited.
"The (RM10 million) allocation will be processed upon verification and will be coordinated by federal agencies and the state secretary," he said after visiting evacuees at the SMK Agama Kedah temporary flood relief centre.
Present was State Secretary Datuk Seri Norizan Khazali.
Anwar also visited the relief centres at Sultan Abdul Halim Stadium and SK Titi Gajah during his half-day visit to the state today.
He also affirmed the federal government's commitment to helping farmers and livestock breeders affected by the floods.
Anwar said the aid was in addition to the RM1,000 cash assistance provided to each head of a family evacuated to relief centres since floods began on Monday.
"Yes, the RM1,000 aid has been disbursed. I also heard that the menteri besar (Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor) has announced additional aid from the state.
"However, what's also important is addressing damage in the livestock sector and to crops, and we must ease the burden on flood victims."
Anwar added that the federal government was monitoring the progress of four flood mitigation projects in the state to ensure that they will be completed on schedule.
The prime minister expressed his appreciation to all federal and state agencies for their efforts in managing the flood disaster and assisting victims.
Earlier today, it was reported that the number of flood victims in the state had risen to 7,877 people from 2,441 families, evacuated to 42 relief centres in six districts.
The worst-affected districts are Kota Setar, Kubang Pasu, Pendang and Pokok Sena, with Kuala Muda and Bandar Baharu in southern Kedah also impacted.