Penang govt announces RM100m 'Penang Bounces Back' programme

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government have announced a RM100 million allocation dubbed the "Penang Bounces Back" programme to aid restoration efforts following the massive floods in the state.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the programme is scheduled to be launched during the weekend with a state-wide "Penang Bounces Back Volunteers Day" to take place on Saturday and Sunday.
He said volunteers are needed for the massive clean-up efforts to be led by the respective Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) in the affected areas.
"We hope those who want to help out will come forward and join in the programme," he said during a press conference at the state legislative assembly yesterday.
Lim also announced that four exco members have been tasked to spearhead this weekend's event.
Chong Eng (mainland) and Danny Law Heng Kiang (island) will lead the cleaning team on Saturday while Dr Afif Bahardin (mainland) and Datuk Rashid Hasnon (island) will lead on Sunday.
Those interested to volunteer or find out more information can visit www.penangbangkit.com.
Lim also announced a one-off RM500 financial aid for affected families to be disbursed before year-end.
He said application forms to apply for the monetary aid will be made available after the earlier assistance for the Sept 15 floods ends mid-November.
Earlier, a minute of silence was observed as a mark of respect for the seven victims who perished in the floods.