Recipients for flood relief aid in Klang were drenched as they waited in line to get RM2,000 from the federal and state governments.

Some had umbrellas but many more who were unprepared for the sudden downpour found themselves soaked in the rain. Before the rain started around 3pm, the recipients first lined up under the scorching weather.

Free Malaysia Today found that the recipients came to the Kemuning Utama MBSA Hall, Section 33, as early as 7am despite an SMS from the district office informing that the distribution counter was only open at 3pm.

"We came early because we saw that the office was busy yesterday, with a long line of people lined up holding umbrellas. If possible, please don't let this happen again, really pity the elderly and the OKUs to line up in the pouring rain,” said S Raji, 46.

He took leave today and queued from 10am this morning because he wanted to avoid the crowd, as seen in the viral video on Tuesday, 22 February.

The public questioned why aid was not channeled directly to the recipient’s bank account especially since the country has been seing a tremendous increase in COVID-19 cases. 

"It's 2022 and you're still handing out cash. Isn't it easier to just transfer directly into the recipient's bank account? People are already having a hard time coping with the losses. Our houses have already been hit by a flood, items have been destroyed and yet we are still told to wait in this long queue,” said Raji.

Another recipient, Rashid Abdul Rahman, 51, questioned the distribution of aid manually when there was already technology to channel money directly to the accounts of flood victims.

"It's really unnecessary for us to wait in a long line like this, some have stood and waited for a long time. But what can we do? The rules are set in this way, and hence we can only go with it. It would be much appreciated if the government could make things easier," he said.

An employee who accompanied his elderly mother wondered why the aid distribution management opened the counter at 3pm.

"I know the counter is open at 3pm but it is difficult to come here," said Kasturi, 28.

“Unfortunately, the senior citizens do not have places to sit on. Maybe open a separate time slot for seniors to lessen the congestion and waiting time,”

Manually distribution to avoid mistakes

Klang District Officer, Faizal Abdul Raji, explained that manual distribution of aid is safer and avoids mistakes.

"When they wrote in the form, we were not sure that the number (bank account) was exactly his," he told reporters.

"This is to avoid mistakenly entering the flood relief aid into other people's accounts. If we mistakenly enter someone else's account, it is difficult for us to get the money back. If we distribute in cash form, the person would definitely receive the aid without fail. ”

Faizal informed that the Klang District Office alone received 70,983 applications for flood relief. As of Tuesday, it has successfully distributed 32 Selangor Bangkit Aid (BSB) distribution sessions involving an aid value of RM32,617,000.

He also said the distribution counter was opened at 3pm to make it easier for those who were working to collect funds without having to take leave. Delivery times are flexible and can be extended into the night if necessary.

"Recipient can also come after work or at night. If there are more people coming, we can extend the distribution until 9 pm.” he said.

His party was aware that there were recipients who deliberately came early after watching the viral video.

"Whoever was called to receive the flood relief aid, the money is already here. There is no need to rush. You can come around 6 or 7 pm as the weather will be less hot (at that time)," he said.

The distribution also has the cooperation of the Selangor State Development Office which manages the distribution of Benevolent Money Assistance (BWI) from the federal government.

Another five BSB distribution sessions will be implemented involving 13,996 recipients, at Dewan Kemuning Utama (MBSA), Dewan Sri Kerayong (MPK), Dewan Kilat TNB (Jalan Kapar), Dewan Serbaguna Pejabat Daerah Klang, and Kompleks Sukan Pandamaran (Klang).

The distribution of aid is expected to be completed before the end of this month, said Faizal.

Reference Links - 
[1] Free Malaysia Today