Some RM1.18 million has been disbursed to 5,000 Ministry of Health (MOH) employees affected by the floods which hit several states in December last year.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said the aid disbursed was from the MOH Flood Victims Disaster Fund collected from January 22 to March 26.

"The floods caused a lot of misery to the victims as they suffered loss of property which certainly affected their daily life.

"Hopefully, this aid can ease the financial burden of MOH employees so that they can continue to maintain the highest quality of service to the people," he told reporters after handing over aid totalling RM128,000 to 770 flood victims comprising Terengganu Health Department employees here, Sunday.

Also present were MOH deputy secretary-general (management), Saiful Anuar Lebai Hussein and Terengganu Health director Dr Mohammad Omar.

Dr Hilmi also praised Kemaman Hospital for establishing a relief centre within the hospital compound during the floods and want other hospitals to do the same.

"The establishment of the relief centre within the hospital compound made it easier for staff to serve the flood victims without having to worry about the safety of family members."

Commenting on preparation to face floods, Dr Hilmi said the Terengganu state government had approved five sites for the construction of new health clinics.

"The ministry appreciates this gesture of the Terengganu because we can save cost. Of the five health clinics, three are in Kemaman district while Dungun and Besut districts will have one each.