KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced a special additional cash aid of RM2,500 for heads of eligible flood-affected households in Selangor, with payments expected to begin tomorrow.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement that the assistance is aimed at easing the burden of victims in replacing household essentials damaged or destroyed by the floods, with implementation mechanisms and eligibility criteria to be announced by the executing agency.

“At the same time, the prime minister has also directed that the implementation of flood mitigation projects be expedited to tackle recurring floods,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters after visiting flood victims in Kuala Selangor, Anwar said the additional RM2,500 aid is intended for families who have endured prolonged displacement and sustained substantial damage from the disaster.

He said the payout is expected to be disbursed starting tomorrow in coordination with the state government to facilitate distribution.

The prime minister said the additional aid, placed under the Prime Minister’s Department’s Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU), is being provided in view of the protracted flood situation and the heavier losses incurred by victims.

He said this assistance is in addition to the RM1,000 Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) distributed under the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).

“Because some families have been displaced for a prolonged period, the RM1,000 aid is often felt to be insufficient given the heavier damage. Therefore, I am announcing an additional RM2,500 per family in Selangor for those who have faced extended displacement and extensive damage,” he said.

Earlier, Anwar visited flood victims housed at the temporary relief centre at SK Parit Mahang, Jeram, here, which is currently accommodating 154 evacuees from 36 families.

He said the visit was carried out to assess the victims’ situation firsthand, considering the floods that have persisted for several days, along with prevailing weather conditions and high tides.

The prime minister also expressed his appreciation to all federal and state personnel, as well as volunteers, including medical teams, who worked tirelessly to assist flood victims throughout the Deepavali long weekend. — Bernama