SHAH ALAM: The government has allocated RM127 million in monsoon season aid to support 318,642 smallholders nationwide affected by floods.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the aid would be given to smallholders under the Smallholders Development Authority (Risda), Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), and the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS).
He said each family would receive RM200 for November and December to assist smallholders affected by floods.
"In other areas (that are not affected), data will be collected from Risda district officers to be submitted at the state level for further action.
"The payments will be processed by the accounts department of Risda," he said at a press conference after launching RisSMart24 at UOA Business Park, here.
Meanwhile, he added that nearly a quarter of flood victims across the country are expected to return home by the end of the week as floodwaters begin to recede in Kelantan and Terengganu.
"Projections indicate that around 23 to 25 per cent of those affected by the floods will be able to return to their homes by the weekend."
However, Zahid cautioned that floodwaters are now expected to flow downstream towards Pahang and Johor.
"Residents in low-lying areas in Pahang and Johor must remain vigilant and prepare for potential flooding.
"It is crucial to heed evacuation warnings issued by the authorities. Do not wait until the last minute to leave."
Zahid added that his ministry is coordinating with the Public Works Department and the Malaysian Armed Forces' engineering corps to survey areas where roads and bridges have been severely damaged.
"So far, six locations have been identified that require Bailey bridge, and more may follow as assessments continue," Zahid said.
He added that installation works would be expedited to ensure quick accessibility for affected residents.