The role of the department is defined by a directive from the National Security Council (MKN), the women, family and community development ministry said today. The welfare department comes under the ministry’s purview.

In response to allegations that the welfare department (JKM) did not send food to flood victims stranded in their homes, the ministry said JKM is responsible for providing food aid, clothing and basic necessities to disaster victims relocated to relief centres.

JKM is also to compile a list of victims for the purpose of rehabilitation, guidance and advice or counselling, the ministry said.

Members of the public affected by the floods, and elected representatives serving them, had been angry that the department did not seem to be doing enough to help flood victims.

Klang MP Charles Santiago said earlier today that he had brought up the issue with Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob at a meeting in Parliament. He said JKM’s lack of responsiveness in distributing food and drinks at temporary relief centres and other critical areas was one of the topics discussed.

Santiago, whose constituency has been among the worst affected by the floods in Selangor, said that most of the distribution of food in his area last night was handled by his office.

“…But without strong support from JKM, it’s impossible for us to give out food and drinks to all the flood victims in Klang,” he said after meeting Ismail.

Yesterday Ismail had visited a relief centre in Klang and had urged JKM to ensure that every flood victim receives assistance.

He announced today that MKN would now take the lead in flood relief work, after criticism of the National Disaster Management Agency for its lack of responsiveness to the floods, the worst in Selangor’s history.