The Selangor government has instructed the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to prepare flood relief aid for about 10,000 victims in anticipation of the approaching monsoon season. This is an increase of one-fold compared to the previous year, as there was not enough aid to be distributed to all flood victims in 2021. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari made this announcement during a special press conference at the Selangor State Secretariat building. He also instructed the Malaysian Civil Defence Department (APM), Fire and Rescue Department, as well as the army and local government authorities to make necessary preparations, including readying the necessary assets.
Amirudin further emphasized the importance of cleaning retention ponds, drains, and canals, especially in high-risk flood areas, to ensure the drainage system functions optimally. To facilitate the dissemination of information, a media center will also be set up.
Additionally, the monthly payment for 760 imams in the state has been increased from RM1,300 to RM1,500, effective this month. The monthly allowance for other mosque personnel has also increased, with mosque administrators receiving RM300, bilals receiving RM340, and mosque caretakers receiving RM290.
The state government is providing an incentive of RM1,000 to 500 agro entrepreneurs to encourage increased production. This incentive will be in the form of cash amounting to RM500, with the balance provided through inputs of plants, equipment, and raw materials. The implementation of this program will be done in collaboration with Agro Bank Selangor and Koperasi Kohijrah Warga Hijrah Selangor Bhd.
Furthermore, the state government has decided to exempt owners of 426,656 low-cost and village houses in Selangor from assessment tax for the second term, from July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The cost of this exemption is estimated to be more than RM29 million.
In response to the presence of rare earth elements (REE) in the state, Amirudin stated that the state government is not interested in tapping into this potential source of revenue.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
