By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, 1Dec 16 — Selangor will donate RM500,000 to Kelantan to support recovery efforts following last month's devastating floods that wreaked havoc across multiple states in the country.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the proposed funds will help alleviate Kelantan's burden in repairing damaged infrastructure and facilities.
"This proposal will be presented and discussed in the State Executive Council (MMKN) meeting this Wednesday before a final decision is made," he told reporters after the Ihsan Madani Squad's convoy launch at the state secretariat building today.
The donation will be drawn from the Selangor Prihatin Fund, which is specifically allocated to assist disaster-stricken areas, including those outside Selangor.
In December 2022, the Selangor government had similarly contributed RM500,000 to Kelantan and Terengganu in post-flood relief assistance.
Beyond financial assistance, the state also mobilised a comprehensive relief effort via the Ihsan Madani Squad, comprising 130 local authority members and volunteers.
The squad has been dispatched to Kelantan with 45 vehicles, including tankers and Roll On Roll Off (Roro) lorries.
KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd (KDEBWM) managing director Dato' Ramli Mohd Tahir confirmed that 21 staff members and five Roro lorries were sent to support cleaning efforts.
"We are prepared to deploy additional assets and manpower if required. We aim to ensure the operation runs smoothly and provide maximum assistance," he said.
Amirudin said the mission, which runs until Thursday, focuses on cleaning affected public infrastructure, including mosques, surau, and damaged homes.
"This mission reflects the state's compassion, irrespective of location or population.”
In addition to manpower, the state is distributing food baskets and cleaning supplies through the Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) Foundation.
The entire mission is estimated to cost RM400,000, with contributions from various entities, including KDEBWM and local authorities.
Apart from helping with the flood relief efforts in the east coast, Amirudin also expressed the state's preparedness for potential flooding in Selangor.
“This morning, the high tide reached five metres. Yesterday was also quite high, but we are grateful there was no heavy rain. We were only impacted during the first wave (last month).
“We are prepared and have mobilised all units. Federal agencies such as the police and fire department are ready, along with state agencies and local authorities. Selangor volunteers and Team Selangor have undergone simulations as part of the preparations,” he said.
Selangor has previously demonstrated its commitment to inter-state disaster relief, having dispatched aid teams to assist flood victims in Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Johor on multiple occasions.
