JKKK needs to verify flood victims, families moved to PPS do not depict the actual number affected

7 July 2O24

PENAMPANG: The number of flood victims relocated to the Temporary Relocation Center (PPS) in Penampang recently does not reflect the actual number of those affected by the flood.

Member of Parliament for Penampang Datuk Ewon Benedick who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, said that this is because many were still trapped in homes that could not be evacuated by security personnel during the flood incident.

"I have informed the Deputy Prime Minister 1 Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi that the number of flood victims moved to the PPS does not represent the actual number of families affected by the flood.

"That's why I have suggested that the list of those involved be reviewed and the District Officer of Penampang, Francis Chong, as the Chairman of the Disaster Management Committee, has prepared a special form for registering flood victims," he said.

He made these remarks when asked to comment on the flood incident in Penempang after officiating the Sales Gallery and Launching of Sky88 Residences Bundusan, here, today.

Ewon said that flood-affected village residents need to fill out the relevant form and have it verified by the JKKK Chairman, Village Head, or JKDB before submitting it to the District Disaster Management Committee.

"The District Disaster Management Committee will inform NADMA of the number of families involved," he said.

Ewon said that, based on the report from the District Officer of Penampang last Friday before he attended the Cabinet Meeting, a total of 2,300 household heads (KIR) or families were affected by the flood disaster in 16 villages in Penampang.

"I believe the disaster committee is still confirming with all the village JKKKs in Penampang affected by the flood to determine the type of assistance that can be provided to them," he said.

He further stated that at the Penampang Parliamentary Service Centre, his staff have been distributing various aid for a week.

"In addition to food baskets, we are also providing other basic necessities such as mattresses, pillows, gas cylinders, and other essential items needed by the village residents, including some funds to the JKKKs, associations, political parties, or non-governmental organisations to organise community programmes for house cleaning.

"We have also provided some contributions from the Parliamentary allocation to flood-affected schools and several other affected associations, including places of worship.

"I am looking into the type of assistance that can be provided to students who have suffered severe losses, such as school uniforms, shoes, and other necessities.

"It is my responsibility to ensure that all flood victims in Penampang receive appropriate assistance," he said.

Ewon said that on Tuesday, his office will hold discussions with all 10 agencies under his ministry, including Co-Opbank and ANGKASA, to discuss the types of aid needed to be provided to students who have lost everything.

"I have visited, surveyed, and personally seen the damage in many homes, and the issue of students needing assistance also needs our attention," he said.