Penangites have up to Oct 20 to apply for RM400 flood aid

GEORGE TOWN: Penangites who suffered home, business and vehicle damage in last month’s severe floods have up to Oct 20 to apply for a RM400 one-off cash aid from the state government.

State welfare committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said they could apply for the aid through their respective state assemblymen or state assembly seat coordinators for BN-held constituencies.

He said no police report was required for their application.

The aid is meant for the victims of the Sept 15 flash floods, when a month’s rainfall inundated the state in just five hours. They were Penang’s worst flash floods in living memory.

Phee said 12,000 forms with serial numbers had been printed and distributed. The forms are available for free.

Those seeking the cash aid must comply with either one of the following requirements:

For homes and businesses:

Damage to structure, equipment and furniture by flood water or mud. As for those renting houses, only the tenants will be given aid.

Required supporting documents: IC of household breadwinner and utility bills from Tenaga Nasional or Penang Water Supply Corporation. Business owners making claims must supply a copy of their business licence.

Vehicle damage:

Only applicable to vehicles such as cars and motorcycles parked within or near the owners’ residences during the flash floods. Those sustaining damage while driving through floodwaters cannot apply for the aid.

Required supporting documents: valid road tax, car ownership certificate or grant, and a receipt of vehicle repair costs.

Phee said a high-powered committee would scrutinise the applications after the Oct 20, 5pm deadline to verify the eligibility of the applicants.

Members of the committee are drawn from the state secretary’s office, district and land office, welfare department, state finance department, local governments, fire and rescue department, police, drainage and irrigation department, civil defence, and the public works department.

The committee, headed by Phee, would make the final decision on Oct 31 and then disburse the aid.

The Penang government had also approved an emergency fund of RM2.5 million to clear and rebuild drainage channels and another RM2 million to repair three locations hit by mudslides.

It was also reported that flood mitigation projects totalling RM405 million announced by the state government in the last state Budget would also be speeded up.

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