5 Amazing Relief Aids For Penang Flood Victims And How To Claim Them

The PPB programme was announced today, 9 November, by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, to ease the burden of flood affected victims in the state.

Under the programme, each affected household would receive a one-off RM500 aid.

The 'Pulau Pinang Bangkit' programme would help more than 100,000 families and would cost the state government at least RM50 million.

Additionally, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) would also be giving a 50% discount for domestic users for one cycle (two months), and a 25% discount for commercial users for one cycle (one month).

CM Lim Guan Eng also announced the free replacement of state government documents such as land grant of victims who may have lost them in the flood.


How to claim the PPB programme:

CM Lim Guan Eng said that a website would be set up in a few days time.

"For the RM500 one-off payment to each household or business, they may only apply for this payment once and forms will only be available after 18 November."

In an effort to reduce the hassles being faced by people affected by the floods, Immigration Department in Penang will be helping to replace damaged passports for free, Immigration Director-General Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali said.

How to do it:

If you have lost your passport in the flood, you will need to first lodge a police report. You can then file a replacement application at the Immigration offices.

If your passport has been damaged by the floods, you would need to bring the damaged passport for evidence.

The free replacements will only be done at Immigration Department offices in Penang and need to be done before 31 December 2017.

Several banks in the country are taking steps to help ease the financial burden off of their flood-affected customers and employees in several states.

Maybank, Public Bank and Public Islamic Bank, CIMB Bank, and Bank Muamalat are all offering a six-month moratorium on monthly instalments of loans, etc.

The banks are also offering to waive charges for customers seeking replacement of ATM cards, credit/debit card, chequebooks, passbooks or any banking related documents which have been destroyed in the floods.

Public Bank and Public Islamic Bank will collaborate with Lonpac Insurance Bhd under its Fast-Track Claim Settlement Programme to expedite claims made by the affected customers. It will also provide cash relief aid to its affected staff.

On the other hand, Maybank Group's insurance arm, Etiqa, will expedite claims processes as well as help ease any financial hardship during the flood by providing policyholders with a dedicated Flood Claims Assist Hotline.

Bank Negara Malaysia has announced an RM500mil Disaster Relief Facility to assist flood-hit small medium enterprises (SMEs). Applications open until 31 May.

How to avail the offers:

For Maybank:
Customers can call the bank's hotline: 1 300 88 6688.
Flood Claims Assist Hotline at Etiqa: 03 2692 8188 or 011 630 6646 (Whatsapp).
You will need to visit Maybank home branches to apply for the moratorium.

For Public Bank and Public Islamic Bank:
Customers can call Public Bank at 1800 22 5555.
Fast-Track Claim Settlement Programme at Lonpac: 03 2262 8688.

For Bank Muamalat:
Customers can visit the nearest branch for further information on the eligibility for the moratorium relief. They can also call: 1 300 88 8787.

So far five car makers, Honda, Perodua, KIA Malaysia, Volkswagen and Nissan have announced flood relief programmes for their affected customers.

Honda is giving discounts of 50% on affected genuine parts.

Perodua is giving 20% discounts on selected parts and free inspections to determine the amount of damage done to the vehicle.

KIA Malaysia is giving discounts up to 50% on all parts for all KIA models for KIA owners at selected service centres.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPMC) is offering a 30% discount on the total invoice for repairs inclusive of parts and labour costs until 28 February 2018.

A 'Nissan Flood Relief' programme for Nissan vehicle owners was announced by Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) and Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Centre (TCEAS), offering a 20% discount on spare parts and labour charges.

How to avail the discounts:

For Honda:

For Perodua:

Customers to toll-free customer care line at 1-800-88-5555 for towing assistance (terms and conditions apply).

For KIA Malaysia:

Use this link to find selected dealer's contact numbers and locations.

For Volkswagen:

Customers will need to send their vehicles to the nearest Volkswagen service centre for assessment and repair.

For Nissan:

Nissan customers can send their vehicles to the nearest TCEAS service centre. They can also contact ETCM's Nissan Customer Care Centre at 1800-88-3838 for more information on the relief programme.

Samsung will provide free repair services for all Samsung-branded appliances and mobile devices that have been damaged in the floods for people living in Pulau Tikus, Geroge Town, Bayan Lepas, Batu Ferringhi, Sungai Puyu, Balik Pulau, Bukit Mertajam, Butterworth, Juru, and Kampung Masjid in Kedah.

While smaller appliances and mobile devices need to be brought to Samsung service centres in Penang or Kedah for inspection and repair, bigger appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators will need to be first inspected by an authorised Samsung technician.

How to avail the free repair:

For smaller appliances and mobile devices: 1800 22 8899.

For bigger appliances, customers need to call:1800 88 9999.