BANTING, 18 Nov: Flood victims in the Sekolah Kebangsaan Rancangan Tanah Belia (RTB) temporary placement centre here in Bukit Changgang expressed their joy regarding the State Government’s thoughtfulness in giving the victims assistance to help lessen their burden.
Although it is the Federal Government’s responsibility under the National Security Council (MKN) to provide assistance, the Prime Minister’s Department has yet to make any drastic efforts regarding the matter.
In relation to that, the Selangor State Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim practiced a hands-on approach in providing assistance directly to the flood victims.
One of the residents of Kampung RTB, Kartini Lamin, 47, felt that the contribution is very much needed to cover family expenses after facing the worst flood disaster to date.
She has a disabled child and elder sister who are very thankful and grateful for the State Government’s contribution.
“The flood waters in my house started to raise suddenly on the 5th of November during the morning prayers. Praise Allah, I was able to save all my family members. However, my furniture and electrical items were all destroyed.”
“I am really grateful that my burden is lessened with this contribution. Thank you Chief Minister,” she gratefully said.
Azhar Alias, 47 shared similar feelings when he said that he was touched by the assistance given. In fact he added that this proved that the Selangor State Government is a government that prioritises the people’s welfare.
“I have stayed at this temporary placement centre for almost two weeks and I was only allowed to go home two days ago. The condition of my house is terrible. However, I am still grateful for the assistance given although the amount is little; it still lessens my family’s burdens,” he said.
Early this month, a large number of residents in the Kuala Langat district were faced with the worst flood disaster ever recorded this year.
The State Government has provided RM500 assistance to each family to lessen their burden.
Selangor Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim handed the assistance to 300 families (flood victims) from the Kuala Langat district at a ceremony.
Also present were Welfare, Women’s Affairs, Science, Technology and Innovation Exco member, Rodziah Ismail and Teluk Datuk Assemblyman, Philip Tan.
Meanwhile, Kuala Langat District Officer, Mohamad Yasid Bidin said that Selangor Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) will repair the damaged trenches and clean-up and unclog the drainage systems to ease water-flow.
Yesterday, the State Government informed that it will be allocating RM500 million to solve flood problems in Selangor following the refusal of the Federal Government to allocate the amount which was stated in the 10th Malaysia Plan (RMK-10).
This issue will be brought up by the Chief Minister in the upcoming State Assembly session which begins tomorrow.