MIRI: The Sarawak government has approved an increase in the disaster relief food assistance rate, raising the daily allowance to RM50 per person.
“This increase applies to food aid provided during disasters such as floods,” said Women, Child and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
“The RM50 covers meals for affected individuals, though the number of meals provided may vary depending on the circumstances.”
She made the announcement on Sunday while visiting the temporary relief centre (PPS) in Kampung Pujut Tanjong Batu, which was opened to accommodate flood victims.
A total of 109 people, including four Penan families from Kampung 1Malaysia, are placed at the centre. The flood victims are primarily from Kampung Pujut Tanjong Batu and Kampung 1Malaysia.
Fatimah stressed that the increased rate ensures better food provisions for disaster victims.
“Previously, we cooked meals at the relief centres, but now all food is provided, and the assistance rate has been raised to RM50 per day,” she explained.
During her visit, she observed that some victims were storing food for later consumption.
“Doctors have advised them, and officers have reminded everyone not to keep food for more than four hours to prevent it getting spoilt,” she said.
She also highlighted the importance of mental and emotional well-being for children and families affected by disasters.
“We want to ensure that children do not experience stress. When children are stressed, their parents are too. That is something we must prevent,” she said.
To support the health and well-being of evacuees, Fatimah said every temporary relief centre is staffed with medical teams, including doctors and nurses, to provide necessary healthcare services.
