By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SHAH ALAM, Feb 1 — A total of RM54.038 million has been disbursed to 53,908 flood-affected families under the Bantuan Selangor Bangkit initiative as of January 31, says Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said the amount also includes the cash aid of RM10,000 given to the families of victims who perished in the flood disaster.
Amirudin said that the state government is currently focusing more on infrastructure restoration in the second phase of the post-flood cleanup process.
“We have fully concluded cleaning efforts at the badly-hit areas, and now we are entering the infrastructure restoration phase including state roads, drainage system and reconstructing houses which were washed away during the disaster,” he said in a Chinese New Year message yesterday.
The Menteri Besar also elaborated the state government’s aspiration through its 2022 Budget.
Amirudin said apart from continuing with the Sidec SME Digitalisation Matching Grant, the state administration had also made a bold move in setting up the Selangor Digital School and giving a significant allocation of RM1.2 million to e-sports.
“Our industries are also expected to benefit from our budget’s preliminary allocation of RM5 million to develop a workers’ housing complex on 145 acres of land. This is a brave and the correct step towards meeting the provision under Act 446 (Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act), which promises a more comfortable living space for our foreign help,” he said.
Amirudin said the same commitment is evident in the state’s RM65 million allocation for public health, the RM27.5 million for the Skim Mesra Usia Emas and the RM1 million set aside for the Independent Living Centre that would bring relief to many.
“In times of uncertainties, including the political direction in our country, which seems to drift away from advancement, the Selangor government remains stable and robust.
“We have realistic ideas and vision that could be an excellent example to the people and prove that the Pakatan Harapan administration in Selangor could benefit everyone.
“We must be aware of the advantages and do not simply follow situations in other places. Selangor is a diverse state, full of uniqueness and complexity. It is described as a melting pot of Malaysia,” he said.
In conjunction with the Chinese New Year festive celebration, Amirudin said the state government would be organising a virtual celebration via multiple digital platforms at 9pm tonight.
“I would like to invite everyone to participate in the celebration after they had their family dinner.
“I am hoping for the best, and even though we are still facing the constantly-mutated Covid-19 virus, I pray that we can continue to strive and never give up. With those hopes and prayers, I wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year,” he said.
