BETONG: The Sarawak state government has approved an increase in disaster assistance rates to help victims of natural disasters recover and meet their basic needs, reinforcing its commitment to the well-being of the people.
According to Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, this initiative reflected the government’s dedication to promoting stability, well-being, and sustainable social and economic development.
“This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensure the stability and well-being of the people through proactive and effective actions that contribute to social and economic sustainability.
“The Early Food Supply assistance will be provided as a one-off not including drought victims, and is standardised at RM75 per package for households consisting of one to five people,” she said when speaking at the Training and Disaster Simulation At A Temporary Evacuation Centre Programme, at the Debak Stadium Perpaduan, near here today.
Additionally, she said the one-off Immediate Assistance has been enhanced to better support disaster and this included an increase in pocket money from RM100 to RM200 per person, daily clothing assistance raised from RM200 to RM300 per person, dry food aid increased from RM50 to RM100 per person, and bedding support revised from RM100 to RM200 per person.
“The School Assistance, which will also be provided as a one-off, has been improved to better support students affected by disasters. It includes an increase in school clothing assistance (uniform and shoes) from RM200 to RM300 per person and school supplies assistance (bag and stationery) raised from RM100 to RM200 per person.
“The assistance for kitchen equipment, also provided as a one-off, has been increased from RM700 to RM1,000 per household to help families rebuild their daily living essentials.
Furthermore, Fatimah said the Sarawak government has increased disaster assistance rates to support affected individuals better.
“Protection Assistance for temporary housing or building materials now offers up to RM10,000 based on damage levels.
“Daily food assistance at temporary evacuation centres has doubled to RM50 per person daily.
“Additionally, one-off Dry Food Assistance for fire, storm, and landslide victims has been raised to RM100 per person for a week’s supply.
“These measures aim to enhance recovery and provide essential support during crises,” she said.
