SHAH ALAM – In anticipation of flooding in Selangor as the monsoon season approaches, the state government has instructed the Social Welfare Department (SWD) to prepare aid for approximately 10,000 victims.
According to Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, the number has increased by one-fold since 2021, when there was insufficient aid to distribute to all flood victims.
“As such, I have instructed the SWD to increase the number of flood aid recipients by one-fold this year,” he told a special press conference at the Selangor secretariat building here today.
Amirudin said he had also instructed the Malaysian Civil Defence, Fire and Rescue Department, the army, and the local government authorities to make the necessary preparations, including preparing the necessary assets.
“We also instruct all local government authorities, the Drainage and Irrigation Department, Public Works Departments, and related departments to immediately clean retention ponds, drains, and canals, especially in areas at high risk of flooding.
“This is to ensure the drainage system functions optimally,” he said, adding that a media centre would also be set up.
In another development, Amirudin said that the monthly payment for the 760 imams in the state has been increased from RM1,300 to RM1,500, and they will be getting the new rate this month.
The monthly allowance for other mosque personnel has also been increased by RM50. This means that starting this month, this nazir will receive RM300, bilal (RM340), and siak (RM290).
He said the state government is also giving RM1,000 each to 500 agro-entrepreneurs as an incentive for them to increase production.
“The incentive will be in the form of cash amounting to RM500, while the balance will be generated through the inputs of plants, equipment, and raw materials,” he said, adding that this would be implemented with the cooperation of Agro Bank Selangor and Koperasi Kohijrah Warga Hijrah Selangor Bhd.
The state government, he said, is also giving exemption in assessment tax to owners of 426,656 low-cost and village houses in Selangor for the second term, which is from July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, which would cost the state government more than RM29 million. – October 4, 2023