BUTTERWORTH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced a special RM500 aid to each of the 202 families affected by the flooding in Penang recently.
Similarly, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) also announced another RM1,000 for each of the affected families.
The prime minister's political secretary Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, who brought the good news, expressed hope that the RM1,500 aid will help ease the burden faced by the affected families.
"The prime minister is concerned with the plight of those affected by the recent flooding.
"I am here to represent him to express the government's commitment to help those affected by the flooding and ensure no one is left out," he said after handing over the aid to the flood victims at Dewan Sungai Dua here today.
The financial aid was given to those who registered with the temporary flood relief centres.
Meanwhile, Hamid Hashim, 69, from Kampung Padang Menora in Tasek Gelugor, thanked the prime minister and Nadma for the timely aid.
He said during the Sept 17 floods, the surrounding of his house was inundated in flood water, reaching knee level.
"This time around my kitchen was flooded but my children's house next door was badly affected. Many things were damaged.
"This financial aid will help ease our burden to buy what is necessary," adding that the worst flooding he faced was back in 2017 when 15 of his cupboards, electrical appliances and many others were damaged.
For Mary Nathan, 65, from Kampung Stesen Nibong Tebal, she said she did not manage to salvage anything.
"Everything was gone in a flash. It was raining, and the next thing, it was flooded until above my knee level.
"Being confined to a wheelchair, I could not do much. However, I am grateful nothing untoward happened as Rela personnel were quick to rescue me from the house.
"I am happy as I can buy a new bed now. After an operation following a fall, I could no longer sleep on the floor. After the flooding damaged my bed, I was forced to sleep on a chair. Now I can have a bed again," she said.
Mohd Azhari Yaacob, 57, from Lahar Yooi who operated his own business, said he was grateful to the prime minister for the assistance.
"It came as a sweet surprise. We did not expect that. Two days ago, I was contacted by the Welfare Department about the aid. I am just so thankful.
"Our area is one of the worst affected. The situation was further compounded by the meeting of two rivers namely Sungai Kereh and Sungai Kulim. We hardly have time to react. That was on Sept 17. Two days later, our area was hit by storm.
"Until now, some areas have yet to dry up," he added, estimating the damages sustained to be about RM15,000.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1107903/penang-decide-assista...
Separately, Shamsul said the prime minister has assured that the 2025 Budget which would be tabled next month would address the rising cost of living concern affecting the majority of people.
"He (the prime minister) has given his word that he will resolve the issue).
"Our politics is stable, our economy is improving, our Ringgit is strengthening. This time, the prime minister will address the cost of living concern," he said.