5 days ago
RM3 million Penampang flood aid distribution starts
Published on: Thursday, August 07, 2025
Published on: Thu, Aug 07, 2025 Text Size: Ewon (third from right) presents a contribution to one of the victims. PENAMPANG: A total of 3,293 heads of households affected by floods in this district between June 30 and July last year have begun receiving financial assistance under the National Disaster Management Agency's (Nadma) Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) programme. Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the distribution of aid amounting to over RM3 million is being carried out in stages from today until Friday at the KDCA Hall in Penampang with the Penampang District Council.
Advertisement 'This assistance cannot replace the losses, trauma, or hardship faced, but it reflects the joint efforts of various parties to support those affected,' he said. He added that the aid distribution was the result of cross-agency collaboration, involving leadership and civil servants from multiple ministries, agencies, and departments to ensure the funds were delivered to those eligible. Ewon also outlined several ongoing initiatives aimed at improving disaster management and reducing the impact of flooding in Penampang. These include the installation of early warning siren systems in frequently affected villages such as Kg Kodundungan, Nambazan, Penampang Proper, Putaton, Kolopis and Sugud.
Advertisement Additionally, 21 buildings including schools, community halls, and churches located in high-risk areas are proposed to be gazetted as Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS). Ewon also stressed the importance of ongoing flood mitigation works under Packages 1 and 3, with additional projects in the pipeline to support and complete the broader mitigation efforts. Meanwhile, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), in coordination with the Council, continues to carry out maintenance work on rivers and drainage systems as part of a long-term plan to reduce the risk of recurring floods. 'With these efforts and support from all stakeholders, we hope to minimise the risk of severe flooding in the future,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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