KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 — DAP’s Lim Kit Siang demanded today that an audit be conducted on the RM800 million purportedly disbursed by Putrajaya to help flood victims, pointing out that despite the large amount spent, recovery has remained slow.
In a statement here, the veteran politician said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan should reveal the breakdown of the funds in detail, particularly on how much had been spent in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Perak — the worst-hit states.
“There should be strict audit of the so-called RM800 million already spent to help flood victims, and the other expenditures still to be made, to ensure that there is no hanky-panky whatsoever.
“No money should be spared to help the flood victims, but not a sen should be wasted,” he said.
Lim said he was “shocked” at the RM800 million figure mentioned, noting that during his visits to areas like Kota Baru, Kuala Krai, Manek Urai and Gua Musang, it had not been apparent that such a large sum had been spent there for flood relief.
“No one in Kelantan would feel that the Federal Government had spent RM500 million to RM600 million in Kelantan in the past two weeks of the floods catastrophe to help flood victims,” he said, after pointing out that Kelantan should receive the bulk of the RM800 million.
“But where has this vast sum of money gone?” he asked.
Lim also said that all government’s spending on disaster relief must benefit the flood victims directly such as providing necessary school supplies to school kids in flood stricken states.
“Every student affected by the floods catastrophe will be provided free two sets of school uniforms...and all other necessary school supplies,” he wrote, adding that it will prove that government’s spending has indeed benefited the flood victims.
Bernama quoted Ahmad as saying yesterday that the government has spent RM800 million helping flood victims through the National Security Council (NSC).
Ahmad said that the amount was used for food supply, logistics and cleaning houses of victims.
He added that the government was preparing for second wave of floods with future provision.
