Perak: The Perak government, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), channelled RM240,000 in 'bantuan wang ihsan' (compassionate aid) to over 200 recipients who were affected by a storm in Seberang Perak and Kampung Gajah in April.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak Menteri Besar's special officer for the Kampung Gajah state constituency, Khairul Azwan Harun, stated that the assistance demonstrated the state government's commitment to focusing on the welfare of its people, especially in relation to natural disasters.

"This aid is given in two phases. Phase One involves repairs to 21 affected houses, involving about RM170,000. For Phase Two, we distributed different amounts to 190 recipients, depending on the severity of the damage," he said during the presentation of the Perak Tengah District's 'Bantuan Wang Ihsan' ceremony at Dewan Orang Ramai Felcra Seberang Perak.

On April 13, it was reported that over 50 houses were damaged following heavy rain and strong winds that impacted the districts of Larut Matang and Selama between 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm.

Meanwhile, Khairul Azwan expressed hope that the nearly RM200 million phase two project of the Kampung Gajah flood mitigation plan could commence without delay to safeguard the area from the annual threat of floods and storms. He noted that any postponement would increase concerns among residents who are regularly at risk due to high tides or prolonged heavy rainfall.