PENDANG: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the RM13 million allocated for flood repairs and compensation in the state.
Sanusi welcomed the timely response, but said the funds would not fully cover the extensive damage caused by the floods since Monday.
"Alhamdulillah, I thank the prime minister for visiting flood victims in the state, and I extend my appreciation to all government agencies involved in helping affected communities.
"This initial allocation of RM13 million is greatly appreciated, but we hope for additional funds as it won't be enough," he said after visiting flood evacuees at the SMK Tanah Merah temporary flood relief centre here today.
Sanusi expressed hope that the federal government would consider additional funds to further support recovery efforts.
"The RM13 million is not enough to cover the damage to padi fields and infrastructure and house repairs. I hope the federal government will consider increasing the allocation."
Yesterday, Anwar announced that the RM13 million allocation would be managed by the National Disaster Management Agency, the Implementation Coordination Unit, and the State Secretary's Office.
Anwar said the aid was in addition to the RM1,000 cash assistance provided to each head of a family evacuated to relief centres.
Sanusi said the state remained on high alert as the monsoon transition period was expected to begin on Sept 24.
He added that relief centres in the state would remain operational as long as needed.
"Although this isn't as severe as the major floods in 2010, the rainfall has been more widespread. We hope the upcoming monsoon transition period doesn't bring a second wave of floods."