GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) has given one-off financial aid to families affected by the Aug 26 Nepal-Tibet border tragedy.
PHEB deputy chairman Senator Dr Lingeshwaran R. Arunasalam said four families from Penang were identified, with three accepting the RM5,000 assistance.
Speaking at the aid handover ceremony, Lingeshwaran urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the federal government to consider similar one-off assistance for all affected Malaysian families nationwide.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Lim Hui Ying, who attended the event, extended her condolences to the families and commended PHEB's welfare efforts.
She said her ministry, through the National Welfare Foundation, was providing RM500 to each affected family, while her office was contributing an additional RM1,000 per family. Emotional distress and psychosocial support were also available through the Talian Kasih helpline at 15999.
Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh contributed RM5,000 to one affected family from his constituency.
PHEB chairman RSN Rayer urged authorities to expedite the legal declaration of death, issuance of death certificates and other official documentation to help families settle insurance claims, property transfers and urgent financial matters.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd