SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government has instructed the Social Welfare Department to prepare flood relief aid for approximately 10,000 victims in anticipation of the monsoon season. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari stated that this number is higher than the preparations made in 2021, where there was insufficient aid for all flood victims. He announced this during a special press conference at the Selangor State Secretariat Building (SUK) on Wednesday (Oct 4).
“As a result, I have directed JKM to double the number of flood aid recipients this year,” he stated. Amirudin also instructed the Malaysian Civil Defence (APM), Fire and Rescue Department, the army, and local government authorities to make the necessary preparations and gather the required assets.
“We have also instructed all local government authorities, the Drainage and Irrigation Department, Public Works Departments, and other relevant departments to immediately clean retention ponds, drains, and canals, especially in high-risk flood areas. This is to ensure that the drainage system is functioning optimally,” he said. He mentioned that a media center will also be established.
In addition, Amirudin announced that the monthly payment for the 760 imams in the state has been raised from RM1,300 to RM1,500, with the new rate taking effect this month. The monthly allowance for other mosque personnel has also been increased by RM50. Thus, starting this month, nazirs will receive RM300, bilals will receive RM340, and siaks will receive RM290.
He further stated that the state government is providing RM1,000 each to 500 agro entrepreneurs as an incentive to boost production. “The incentive will consist of RM500 in cash, with the remaining amount provided through plant inputs, equipment, and raw materials,” he explained. He added that this initiative will be carried out in collaboration with Agro Bank Selangor and Koperasi Kohijrah Warga Hijrah Selangor Bhd.
Furthermore, the state government is granting exemption from assessment tax to owners of 426,656 low-cost and village houses in Selangor for the second term, from July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. This exemption will cost the state government more than RM29 million. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
