KUCHING: The Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), spanning from divisional to district levels, along with relevant state agencies, has been urged to remain on high alert as the monsoon season begins in Sarawak.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and SDMC Chairman, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, stated that these preparations are essential to manage flood risks, which typically peak between January and February due to prolonged rainfall.
"We advise the public to be prepared. We have also instructed our Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) in the interior to remain vigilant. In remote areas where government agencies may not arrive immediately, these teams are directed to ensure life-saving measures are taken without delay," he said.
"All departments are standing by to provide support, including the Social Welfare Department (JKM), which is supplying food and essential equipment to ensure the comfort of evacuees at Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS)," he added.
The Deputy Premier spoke to reporters during a visit to the Stapok Community Hall PPS in Batu Kawa on Wednesday.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah also advised flood victims to evacuate immediately when instructed, emphasising that doing so is vital for their safety and well-being. Furthermore, residents in low-lying areas have been told to prepare for all contingencies given the current unpredictable weather patterns.
Regarding Forward Operating Bases (FOB), he explained that the Sarawak Government has established a primary supply base in Kota Samarahan, supported by several mini-bases across various locations.
He noted that the government has engaged suppliers at every base throughout the state to ensure supplies can be dispatched the moment they are needed.
"We have learnt from last year’s experience during the severe flooding in Bintulu, where we faced challenges delivering mattresses and other necessities," he explained.
"While we hope the weather does not become so extreme that heavy rain is concentrated in a single area causing major floods, we are fully prepared and have ensured that suppliers are stationed at multiple locations, including rural areas."
Meanwhile, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggh confirmed that two evacuation centres have already been opened in Sarawak following continuous rainfall since yesterday.
The active centres are the Kampung Sinar Budi Baru R-Piang Hall, currently housing 181 victims from 44 families, and the Stapok Community Hall, which is sheltering 199 victims from 54 families.
Also in attendance was the Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) and SDMC Deputy Chairman, Datu Buckland Bangik. - UKASnews
