3,293 flood-affected households in Penampang receive aid

Borneo Post

15 hours ago

Flood victims receiving aid at KDCA on Wednesday. – Bernama photo
PENAMPANG (Aug 6): A total of 3,293 heads of household (KIR) affected by the floods in Penampang district between June 30 and July last year have received compassionate aid (Bantuan Wang Ihsan – BWI), disbursed through the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said that the distribution of aid amounting to over RM3 million is being carried out in stages starting Wednesday until Friday, in collaboration with the Penampang District Council (MPPg), held at the KDCA Hall, Penampang.
'This aid can never fully replace the losses, trauma and exhaustion experienced, but it reflects the commitment of various parties to assist residents affected by the floods.
'It is the result of collaborative efforts across agencies, from leaders to civil servants in numerous ministries, agencies, and departments, to ensure the funds are properly allocated and delivered to the affected households,' he said.
He said this when met by reporters after officiating the aid handover ceremony at KDCA Hall on Wednesday.
Ewon said several initiatives have been implemented and are ongoing to strengthen disaster management and reduce the impact of flooding in the Penampang district.
'These include the installation of early warning systems in the form of sirens in several frequently affected villages such as Kampung Kodundungan, Nambazan, Penampang Proper, Putaton, Kolopis and Sugud.
'This measure aims to provide earlier alerts to residents to prepare for any eventuality,' he said.
He added that 21 buildings, including schools, community halls and churches in high-risk areas, are being proposed for gazettement as temporary evacuation centres.
He also stressed the importance of the ongoing flood mitigation projects under Package 1 and Package 3, and stated that follow-up projects are also being planned to support these efforts.
At the same time, the Drainage and Irrigation Department, together with MPPg, continues to carry out river and drainage maintenance works as a long-term measure to reduce the risk of recurring floods.
'I hope that with all these efforts, including support from all relevant stakeholders, we can prevent severe flood disasters like those that have occurred in the past,' he said.