MOF Hands Over 25 Boats To 10 Villages In Hulu Besut

JERTIH, The Ministry of Finance will hand over 25 small boats to 10 villages in Hulu Besut here as part of preparations for the upcoming Northeast Monsoon floods. Deputy secretary-general of Treasury (Management) Ramzi Mansor said that the boats, valued at a total of RM200,000, would expedite the evacuation of residents in flood-affected areas. 'It is hoped that these boats, which can accommodate up to six people, will be used effectively during the flood season. This is part of the MADANI Government's efforts to provide direct services to the people,' he told reporters after handing over the boats at Desa Ukiran Kayu in Kampung Raja, near here, today. Ramzi said 10 boats were handed over during today's event, while the remaining 15 will be delivered in October. 'We have also discussed with the Besut District Council how these boats can be utilised outside of the flood season, such as for ferrying tourists,' he said, adding that all the boats have been placed under the management of the Besut District Of fice. Meanwhile, Ramzi said the ministry has selected three villages, including Kampung Batu 13 in Hulu Besut, near here, to implement various projects and facilities according to the needs of each village under the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme. He said the selection of Kampung Batu 13 would also benefit nine nearby villages, with a combined population of approximately 5,000 people. The programme will also provide residents with additional benefits, including the construction of permanent disaster relief centres (PPKB). He added that four PPKBs would either be newly built or upgraded from temporary relief centres (PPS) in Hulu Besut, located in Kampung Batu 13, Kampung Keruak, Kampung Cawangan, and Kampung Panchor, with each costing RM500,000. Moreover, the ministry will construct a small bridge and upgrade the drainage system in Kampung Belaoh, at a cost of RM100,000. They will also build courts for petanque, sepak takraw, futsal, and related facilities worth RM200,000, and upgrade the football field in Kampung Belaoh at a cost of RM150,000. Source: BERNAMA News Agency