KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has approved more than 6,000 eligible recipients whose households were affected by the major flood in Bintulu earlier this year.
Tanjung Batu assemblyman, Johnny Pang Leong Ming, said that following the disaster, over 90 per cent of flood victims who stayed at temporary evacuation centres (PPS) have already received the RM1,000 flood relief assistance.
As for victims who did not stay at PPS, he said the government is now disbursing payments in stages, as their names and details must be thoroughly screened.
This, he added, is also to address misinformation circulating on social media claiming that the government has not paid out the aid.
“A lot of people still say they haven’t received the RM1,000, but based on our records, more than 90 per cent of those who stayed at PPS have been paid.
“The concept is simple: the RM1,000 is given per family per application. The funds come directly from the government and are deposited straight into your bank account – not through me. We only help with form-filling, and the approval does not come from my office.
“Each application must go through the proper verification process to determine eligibility. That is why it takes time,” he said during a press conference on the status of the RM1,000 flood aid here today.
Pang urged the public, especially those who did not stay at PPS, to cooperate with the authorities as payments continue concurrently.
“The RM1,000 goes directly into your account through the district office or resident office. So please, don’t blame us. We are only helping to facilitate the process,” he said.
He added that viral posts accusing the government and elected representatives of withholding aid could create unnecessary mistrust.
“Our state government has already approved over 6,000 families for the RM1,000 assistance. Screening of names is ongoing.
“For those who have not received the aid even though they believe they are eligible, it may be due to incorrect bank account details or name mismatches.
“I thank both the state and federal governments for fulfilling their commitment. I hope the spreading of false information will stop.
“If you truly qualify but face issues, we will assist where possible,” he said.
Pang emphasised that he called the press conference to protect the reputation of SDMC as well as the state and federal governments.
“I don’t want people to tarnish the name of SDMC or the government by claiming the aid isn’t being paid. That’s why I had to address this matter immediately,” he said.
