KOTA KINABALU: A total of RM108mil in aid will be distributed by the Federal Government to provide flood assistance for Sabah, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Of that amount, RM90.86mil will be allocated to repair public infrastructure damaged by the recent floods, including roads and bridges, he said.
“We have received the list… and it will be done quickly after review,” he told reporters after visiting flood victims in Kota Marudu yesterday.
He also inspected flood damages in Pitas.
He said the list of damaged public infrastructure would be verified by the Public Works Department and Rural Development Ministry.
Other forms of assistance include RM1.19mil worth of Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI), RM2.74mil for minor home repairs, major house repairs up to a maximum RM14,999 per home (totalling RM7.81mil), new home units up to a maximum of RM56,000 (totalling 1.17mil), RM643,400 for electrical equipment discount vouchers and RM643,000 in electricity rebates.
He said RM31,000 worth of vehicle repair vouchers as well another RM7.81mil for house repairs and RM3.67mil for necessities would also be expedited.
“Those affected by the floods are already facing difficulties and we do not want to burden them further with damaged infrastructure in their respective areas.
“This can hinder economic activities, so if possible, we must expedite (repairs),” he added.
Six Sabah districts were badly hit by floods since New Year’s eve.
However, the floods have receded with most victims returning to their homes over the past two days.
The Prime Minister commended the efforts of the state authorities and district officers in helping the people affected by the floods.
“We can see that no issues have arisen in Sabah like in one or two states as a result of weaknesses from the flood management stage until the post-flood stage,” he added.