Paya besar: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that a proposal to increase the 'Bantuan Wang Ihsan' (BWI) cash aid for disaster victims will be presented to the Cabinet. The proposal aims to alleviate the financial strain on families affected by disasters, such as floods, amidst the rising cost of living.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stated that the BWI had been recently increased from RM500 to RM1,000. However, he plans to seek Cabinet approval for a further increase, contingent upon the government's financial capacity. He made these remarks during a visit to flood victims at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Paya Besar, accompanied by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the initiative addresses the current needs of disaster victims, focusing on their basic needs and post-disaster recovery. The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) previously announced that heads of households affected by disasters would receive a payment of RM1,000.
He noted that the government plans to distribute BWI to flood victims at registered relief centres before their return home, improving upon the previous system where payments were made three days after vacating the centres. This change, he said, demonstrates Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's commitment to addressing the issue.
The Rural and Regional Development Minister reported that 77 per cent of the BWI, covering 47,000 household heads, has already been distributed, with the remainder to be managed by NADMA. Additionally, he warned that the upcoming second wave of the 2025-2026 Northeast Monsoon season is expected to bring significantly heavier rains than the first wave.
Ahmad Zahid urged the public, particularly those in flood-prone areas, to heed all instructions from the Disaster Operations Control Centre and the State Disaster Committee. He also addressed concerns regarding relief centre capacity, stating that the government permits states to identify suitable locations, such as halls or schools, as additional centres if needed. Coordination efforts will involve the Menteri Besar, State Secretary, District and Land Offices, and the District Education Office to manage potential overflow situations.