ALOR STAR: The state government will provide RM500 in aid to each head of household affected by the floods in November last year.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said RM3.5 million would be allocated for the assistance, which will also be distributed to flood victims who did not relocate to flood relief centres.
He said the aid amount was revised after the state discovered that the actual number of flood victims was almost double the figures recorded at relief centres.
"We will conduct a census to determine the accurate number of victims. Current records only account for those at relief centres, but we will involve Village Development and Security Committee chairmen to confirm those affected at home.
"Based on our estimates, the actual number of victims is nearly double (the relief centre figures). Hence, we allocated RM3.5 million, ensuring each household receives at least RM500.
"Payments will be made in January, and we hope this will help with back-to-school preparations," Sanusi said at a press conference after a state civil service assembly at Wisma Darul Aman here today.
Present were state executive council members and civil servants from state and federal agencies.
Sanusi added that the state has made preparations for potential natural disasters this year, including prolonged droughts and floods.
He said the Kedah Water Resources Board has been instructed to maintain sufficient water supply, adding that flood mitigation projects remained a priority.
"Many flood mitigation efforts have been delayed for years but are now in progress. We hope the responsible ministries and agencies can expedite these projects."
Sanusi also expressed gratitude to civil servants and agencies for their efforts during the four flood phases Kedah experienced from Sept 17 to Oct 16, and from Nov 26 to Nov 28 last year.
"I would like to extend my thanks to the federal government for providing allocations to repair damaged infrastructure.
"We deeply appreciate all parties that helped the state government in managing this disaster."