Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a press conference today said that the Federal Government has no plans to allow those hit by floods to make Employees Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawals under the i-Citra scheme introduced earlier this year. This is despite many political leaders from both the government and opposition urging Ismail Sabri to do so in order to alleviate the burden of flood victims.
As reported by Free Malaysia Today, the Prime Minister said that there was no need for more EPF withdrawals as the government has already offered many forms of financial aids to individuals and even businesses that are affected by the severe flood. Ismail Sabri asserted,
“If you need to start a new business, Tekun is offering an interest-free loan of RM10,000 with a one-year moratorium on loan payments… Banks like the Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) are also offering interest-free loans of RM10,000 to purchase essential items for the home, with a six-month loan moratorium,”
The Prime Minister was quoted of saying the above during a press conference after attending a gotong-royong project in Taman Sri Nanding and Kampung Dusun Tua in Hulu Selangor today.
Previously, Ismail Sabri announced that all households affected by the recent flood will receive a RM1,000 aid and that the government would also donate RM10,000 to families that have lost their loved ones to the floods.
What do you guys think of the Prime Minister’s announcement? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: JPS Issues Warning, Floods Expected In Terengganu And Kelantan This 30 & 31 December
