By Zaki Salleh
LUMUT: It has been proposed that the state government consider providing small but significant emergency disaster aid directly to the service centres of elected representatives for immediate response.
This would enable assemblypersons to deliver prompt assistance to residents affected by floods before official aid from the relevant agencies arrives.
Pangkor State Assemblyperson (ADUN), Norhaslinda Zakaria, made the proposal while debating a speech during the recent Perak State Legislative Assembly sitting.
She said that in reality, at the ground level, assemblypersons are the first individuals to receive complaints, emergency calls, and requests for help from local residents, especially when floodwaters rise rapidly.
She explained that this aid is not intended to take over the duties of any agency, but to serve as an initial measure that allows assemblypersons to act quickly to help the people before the official aid system arrives or before Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) are opened.
“For example, during the recent floods, many areas within various constituencies were affected, such as Pasir Panjang, Bota, Manong, Batu Kurau, and other places including Pangkor.
“During the critical first few hours, assemblypersons and on-ground personnel used their own money to provide light food, drinking water, baby diapers, and basic blankets while waiting for official aid.
“This is the reality that many do not realise, but it is crucial to ensure victims’ safety.
“At the same time, we always appreciate the existence and role of government agencies responsible during disasters, including the Social Welfare Department (JKM), Civil Defence Force (APM), Fire and Rescue Department, as well as the coordination under the District Disaster Operations Room,” she said.
Therefore, she said, this proposal is not meant as a demand but as a constructive suggestion to strengthen the state’s preparedness for future disasters.
With this emergency allocation, assemblypersons would be able to act faster, more efficiently, and more effectively in helping people who are in distress and urgent need.
This joint effort can strengthen solidarity between the state government, elected representatives, and the community, ensuring that every disaster victim receives prompt assistance.
