Increase flood aid to at least RM50 million for Sarawak, Sabah – Bandar Kuching MP

Dr Kelvin Yii
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by DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Feb 5: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii urged the federal government to raise the immediate flood aid allocations for Sarawak and Sabah to at least RM50 million, ensuring comprehensive support for flood victims in their recovery efforts.

While he welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement of RM25 million in immediate aid for Sabah and Sarawak, Yii pointed out that this amount is insufficient given the scale of destruction caused by the floods.

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“In December 2024, the federal government allocated RM50 million in total, with RM25 million designated for Kedah & Terengganu respectively.

“Based on that precedent set, I urge the government to revise the sum allocated and increase these allocations to at least RM50 million for Sabah & Sarawak to address the damages and loss by one of the worst floods we have seen especially here in Sarawak,” Yii said during his debate at a Special Chamber Session at the Dewan Rakyat today.

“I hope the government also ensure the distribution process for aid is done efficiently without any beaurocratic or even political hindrance,” he added.

“We do not want excessive bureaucracy and cumbersome processes to hinder aid delivery. Victims should not be forced to navigate complex procedures instead of focusing on recovery. Streamlining these processes is essential to ensure timely and effective assistance,” he stressed.

He also urged the government to expedite the long-delayed flood mitigation projects in Kuching.

“The delayed implementation of the Kuching Flood Mitigation Plan (PLSB) must be prioritised. Further delays will exacerbate vulnerabilities,” he said.

Yii further pointed out that close coordination between federal and state governments, alongside relevant agencies, is vital to address both immediate recovery and long-term flood prevention.

“A unified strategy is needed to safeguard communities and prevent future crises,” he said. – DayakDaily

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