PENAMPANG, Entrepreneurs and cooperatives affected by the recent floods can apply to defer their loan repayments under the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) for a maximum period of six months. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said affected entrepreneurs and cooperatives can directly contact their respective agency officers for further information and necessary actions. He said KUSKOP is always attentive to the needs of entrepreneurs and cooperatives impacted by the flood and will assist those affected in restoring their businesses. 'We have a policy to defer loan repayments for entrepreneurs and cooperatives affected by the floods. I will remain in close contact with ministry (KUSKOP) officers to ensure our policy is effective in providing assistance,' he told Bernama here today. The floods, believed to have been caused by continuous heavy rainfall from midday yesterday until last night, resulted in 112 victims from 40 families being placed in the temporary relief centre at Dewan Kebudayaan here this morning. On the floods, Ewon said the ministry today allocated RM30,000 to provide food baskets to affected residents. This aid is in addition to the RM20,000 distributed yesterday to assist the flood victims. The Penampang MP said the current focus is on ensuring all affected residents are safe and relocating them to safer places at the temporary relief centre. 'Our priority is the safety of the residents, and their welfare is ensured once they are relocated. We are also planning how to assist these flood victims once they return to their homes,' he said. Ewon expressed his gratitude to those who have generously offered help, including government agencies, entrepreneurs and cooperatives that have contacted him and are willing to contribute to assisting the flood victims. 'We will coordinate with the Disaster Management Committee on this matter. Our aid may include house repairs and assistance for affected school students,' he said. He also th anked the security forces who worked tirelessly to help the residents in the area, despite facing the dangers of strong currents and deep floodwaters themselves. Source: BERNAMA News Agency