SHAH ALAM, 26 Nov: So far, the state government has managed to channel accumulated allocations amounting to RM30 million through the Natural Disaster Fund (TABA).

The Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, said that the amount is part of the RM50 million capital injected to be channelled in stages over five years, starting from 2011 to 2015.

He said that the allocation provided is invested in investment instruments to increase income for the aim of consumption for natural disasters in the future.

“TABA can be used to help the state government cover expenses in the event of natural disasters by using profits and surplus generated from the initial fund injected into the fund.

“The total funds raised for this fund before auditing is RM30.21 million as of 30 September,” he said.

He said this in response to questions from Amirudin Shari (PKR-Batu Caves) on the current status of TABA, which was first launched in July 2011.

Abdul Khalid (PKR-Port Klang) said that the state government is also handling the Selangor State Special Disaster Fund in addition to TABA.

“This fund is aimed at providing financial aid to ease the burden of victims of natural disasters, providing food and drinks to victims and staff involved during a disaster.

“It is also to provide rescue assistance in relation to disasters, as well as other expenses set by the District Disaster Relief Management Committee (JPBBD),” he said.

He said that the state government created a separate fund under the development provisions to provide assistance in the event of flash floods.

“Flash floods occur frequently and are often caused by overflow of excess rainfall in areas affected which have no room for a working water cycle because of humans themselves. Flash floods occur within a certain period involving small losses and can be overcome,” he said.