LETTERS: In response to severe flooding that submerged large parts of Malaysia, the European Union (EU) is providing €100,000 (over RM470,000) in humanitarian aid funding to assist the most affected communities.
The aid will benefit over 11,000 people in some of the hardest hit localities in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor as well as Kuala Lumpur.
The EU funding supports the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) in delivering aid to the most vulnerable communities through the distribution of cash transfers.
This will allow flood-stricken families to address their immediate basic needs in the aftermath of the floods. Hygiene kits will be provided to ensure access to clean water and good hygiene practices.
In addition, necessary measures will be in place to minimise the transmission of the Covid-19 virus during the operation.
The funding is part of the EU's overall contribution to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
Malaysia has since mid-December 2021 seen a series of downpours that triggered widespread flooding in several areas across eight out of the country's 13 states.
Considered the worst flooding to have hit the country in recent years, the floodwaters have so far claimed the lives of 54 people and thousands have been affected while causing severe damage to facilities and infrastructure.
Over 14,093 people are still sheltered in evacuation centres in Johor, Pahang, Sabah, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Selangor and Terengganu.
Further spread of Covid-19 remains a concern after cases were detected in flood-affected communities.
Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times