Kuala lumpur: The Federal Government distributed RM200 million in Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) to flood victims nationwide last year, as stated by Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister announced that 97 per cent of the BWI payments had been disbursed, with the remaining three per cent expected to be completed within three months.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the outstanding three per cent has not been disbursed due to issues such as incomplete documentation, which is being processed by the district-level disaster committee. Ahmad Zahid assured that the process would be completed in no more than three months once all documentation is complete. This statement was made after he officiated the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) retreat programme and the launch of the KKDW Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
Ahmad Zahid, who also holds the position of Rural and Regional Development Minister, highlighted government-led improvements to the BWI scheme. These improvements include increasing the amount of assistance and ensuring payments are made to flood victims while they are still at relief centres. The BWI has been instrumental in enabling flood victims to carry out immediate repairs to goods and equipment in their homes affected by the disaster.
In a Facebook post, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of synergy between the government, the private sector, and the community to ensure the needs and well-being of the people remain a priority, especially ahead of Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. As chairman of the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL) Executive Committee, he stressed that efforts to address the cost of living require an integrated ecosystem.
He officiated the launch of the 'Mega Rahmah Ramadan dan Kasih Syawal' campaign organized by MYDIN Mohamed Holdings Berhad at MYDIN HQ USJ Subang, reflecting a commitment to helping the public obtain essential goods and Hari Raya items at affordable prices. The campaign aims to empower local products to expand further in the mainstream market.
At the same event, Ahmad Zahid also launched the 'Kak Long' cooking oil brand, which will soon enter the MYDIN market network. He views the inclusion of local products as a positive step towards providing more opportunities for local entrepreneurs to grow and compete effectively in the national retail market. Ahmad Zahid encouraged continued support for local products, emphasizing that such support strengthens the people's economy and creates new opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow further.