He said some married couples had submitted similar claims in different areas.

Such irresponsible action had forced the village development and security committees to check claims carefully to ensure the distribution was done fairly and equitably.

“Two districts have not submitted the list of beneficiaries because of this problem of overlapping claims. Those who are not eligible are also sending in claims.

“This has caused delays in distributing aid to truly deserving victims,” he told reporters.

Samsuri said he had instructed the relevant parties to resolve the issue immediately.

He said over 26,000 heads of households in Terengganu were expected to receive cash assistance of RM1,000 in early March.

On the state assembly elections due this year, Samsuri said he would be attending a meeting on Thursday in Kuala Lumpur with government leaders of Kelantan, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Penang to discuss the date.