Kuala Berang: The federal government has initiated the distribution of RM1,000 in Bantuan Wang Ehsan to heads of households (KIR) affected by recent floods across the nation, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee, stated that the assistance is being distributed to each KIR who relocated to a temporary evacuation centre (PPS) and adheres to the guidelines set by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). According to BERNAMA News Agency, the cash aid is being distributed in phases. Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of an orderly distribution process to ensure that no KIRs who have moved to the PPS are left out. He shared this information with reporters following his visit to the PPS at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Matang. Furthermore, Ahmad Zahid mentioned that the federal government has requested state governments impacted by floods to also provide assistance and emergency fu nds to KIRs who have endured significant losses, such as damage to homes and household items. He highlighted the essential cooperation between the central and state governments to alleviate the burdens faced by evacuees. Assuring the public of sufficient funds, Ahmad Zahid noted that the government is well-prepared to distribute the Bantuan Wang Ihsan to over 30,000 affected KIRs nationwide. He added that should the number of KIRs exceed the current allocation, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as the Minister of Finance, is prepared to increase the allocation for the cash assistance. In response to the disaster, the government is constructing 14 Permanent Disaster Evacuation Centres (PPKB) nationwide, with one centre planned for each state to aid flood victims. Ahmad Zahid also shared that applications for additional PPKBs in Hulu Terengganu are under consideration for a second phase. With a significant increase in the number of flood victims, reaching approximately 137,000 this aft ernoon compared to 37,000 the previous day, Ahmad Zahid stated that all enforcement and security agencies have been instructed to remain on standby and manage their teams effectively. He described the situation as unusual and emphasized the need for organized readiness. Ahmad Zahid expressed gratitude to the State Disaster Management Committee and district-level teams, particularly in Terengganu, for their efforts in rescuing and supporting flood victims. He underscored the importance of collaboration across political lines between the federal and state governments to protect citizens affected by the floods. During his visit, Ahmad Zahid spent time comforting flood victims at SMK Matang and SK Nibong, interacting with hundreds of affected families.