Mohd Najwan (squatting left) visiting flood victims staying at the relief centre at Dewan MBSA Seri Pagi Paya Jaras after their village was hit by flash floods in early October. — Filepic
DELAYS in post-disaster aid in Selangor stem from incomplete paperwork, overlapping claims, and fraud by non-victims and non-citizens.
This was highlighted by state executive councillor overseeing disaster management Mohd Najwan Halimi, during the Selangor State Assembly sitting in Shah Alam.
He said these challenges had hindered the timely delivery of assistance to victims of natural disasters, particularly following the recent floods in several parts of the state which included Kuang.
In response to concerns raised by Mohd Rafiq Mohd Abdullah (PN-Kuang), who questioned the difficulties faced by victims in applying for aid, Mohd Najwan explained the steps being taken to expedite the process.
To improve efficiency, the state government has introduced phased submission for complete and eligible applications, which will help streamline the review process.
Additionally, police reports for affected areas can now be prepared collectively, further reducing documentation delays.
To ensure quicker aid distribution, Mohd Najwan said each district has been allocated RM50,000 from the District Disaster Fund, which will be used to expedite the release of financial assistance.
District officers, serving as chairmen of the District Disaster Management Committee, are also empowered to withdraw up to RM10,000 via ATM for immediate disbursement to victims in the aftermath of a disaster, he added.
Another issue addressed during the assembly was the growing concern over the management of stray animals, particularly stray dogs.
Datuk Ng Suee Lim, chairman of the state’s local government and tourism committee, responded to a suggestion by Nurul Syazwani Noh (PN-Permatang) to build more animal shelters outside urban areas.
Ng acknowledged the importance of addressing the problem and said the state would consider the proposal.
To tackle the issue of stray animals more effectively, he said local councils were working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to implement trap-neuter-release programmes.
These programmes aim to control the stray population in a humane manner.
However, Ng said, the issue of stray animals continued to be a challenge due to the irresponsible behaviour of pet owners who abandoned their animals.
In terms of managing stray animals, he said local councils adhered to a 2014 circular issued by Housing and Local Govern-ment Ministry regarding the capture and disposal of stray dogs in local authority areas.
Under the standard operating procedures (SOP) outlined in the circular, local councils are authorised to use various methods, such as nets, loops, bait and traps, in hotspots to safely capture stray dogs.
