The scale of the recent devastating floods in five states in Malaysia is becoming even bleaker after the Health Ministry said that the rebuilding cost for its facilities alone could set it back by RM900 million.

Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam said that the cost of rebuilding hospitals, clinics and health centres affected by the floods - which hit Kelantan and Pahang the worst - would amount to almost RM1 billion in rough estimation.

The damages caused by the floods to the ministry's facilities stands at a whopping RM 500 million at least, he added.

The final figures for all ministries included could paint an enormous rebuilding task and cost.

This, Subramaniam ( left ) said, could mean budget cuts for the ministry, as it is using most of its funds to restore facilities ravaged by Malaysia's worst flooding in over three decades.

Subramaniam today led a convoy of MIC members to deliver aid to the worst-hit areas in Pahang and Kelantan on a two-day trip to the East Coast.

"The cost of damages is easily RM 500 million. But when you include the rebuilding of the structures, I think it can go up to RM 900 million maybe," he told a press conference in Temerloh today.

He said that his ministry would not be alone in suffering from budget cuts.

"The money doesn't come from the skies. The flood was not budgeted for. So obviously the money has to come from somewhere. I am expecting all ministries to have budget cuts, they will take a little from here and there," he said.

"When we need it, we will ask from the finance ministry," he added.

Helicopter service

He also said that the ministry will consider establishing helicopter service facilities on a larger range in the country to deal with similar emergencies in the future.

"We already have agreements in place to have chopper services in Sabah, Sarawak and the interiors. Maybe we will try to see if we can do it on a larger scale, so that next time there is an emergency, we don't have to go looking for the facilities," he said.

He however ruled out his ministry buying more helicopters for this purpose, and would instead tie-in with private entities to make the facility readily available.

He also received praise from some MIC members for bringing the party members on a convoy of aid in what has been a fractitious period for the party internally, with infighting ravaging its reputation.

 

"This is a good example of a leader who can recognise and work together with all the wings from MIC," former MIC Youth chief T Mohan said.