Proposal To Raise ‘Bantuan Wang Ihsan’ To Be Presented To Cabinet - Ahmad Zahid

KUANTAN, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a proposal to increase the amount of ‘Bantuan Wang Ihsan’ cash aid (BWI) for disaster victims will be brought to the Cabinet meeting.

He said the move aims to ease the burden on disaster-hit families, including flood victims, amid rising living costs.

“It was recently increased from RM500 to RM1,000, but I will bring it to the Cabinet for approval, with any further increase depending on the government’s capacity,” he told reporters after visiting flood victims evacuated at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Paya Besar here today.

Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

Ahmad Zahid said the initiative meets current needs to protect the welfare of disaster victims, especially basic needs and post-disaster recovery.

The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) previously announced that household heads (KIR) affected by disasters will receive an RM1,000 payment.

He added that the government will provide BWI to flood victims at registered relief centres before they return home.

“Under the old rules, they only received payment three days after the relief centre was vacated,” he said, noting the improvement reflects Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s concern.

The Rural and Regional Development Minister said 77 per cent of BWI, covering 47,000 KIRs, has been distributed, with the rest will be handled by NADMA.

He also said heavy rains during the second wave of the 2025-2026 Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season will be five to seven times more intense than the first wave.

“We hope that for the upcoming heavy rainfall wave, the public, especially those in identified flood-prone areas, will follow all instructions issued by the Disaster Operations Control Centre and the State Disaster Committee,” he said.

Asked about plans if the number of victims exceeds relief centre capacity, he said the government allows states to find suitable locations, such as halls or schools, to serve as additional centres.

“I will coordinate with the Menteri Besar, State Secretary, District and Land Offices, and District Education Office to manage the situation. If numbers exceed capacity, we will find alternatives, but if victims prefer to stay here, we will accommodate them,” he said.

-- BERNAMA