KUALA LUMPUR: Food banks will be mobilised to help flood victims, says Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub (pic).
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said the ministry's food bank team would be sending out the assistance starting on Tuesday (Dec 20).
"It is our responsibility to help reduce the burden of the victims.
"We will focus on delivering ready-to-eat meals that do not require any preparations such as boiling water and such.
"Our team will move fast, just like how we delivered aid in the Batang Kali landslide disaster," he told a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday (Dec 20).
Salahuddin said the ministry would check and liaise with other entities donating food to flood victims so that wastage could be avoided.
He added that the food bank programme would be funded through the ministry's corporate social responsibility (CSR) allocations and that there is no extra budget needed.
"We have CSR allocations to help disaster victims," he said, adding that the ministry would also be getting information on the number of flood evacuees in need of food aid.
Earlier, Salahuddin said the food supply in all states affected by floods was currently stable and adequate.
However, he said the ministry did receive reports of more costlier vegetables due to a lack of supply caused by floods and wet weather.
Salahuddin also said enforcement officers had been reminded to ensure that traders are not hoarding essential items or carrying out profiteering activities.
The east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang are currently experiencing flooding due to the north-east monsoon season, which brings heavy rainfall.
There are also floods in parts of Johor and Perak.
