CERT & JKKK Empowered As Communities Urged To Heighten Flood Preparedness
SERIAN: Sarawak Deputy Premier and Chairman of the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, conducted a series of visits to several temporary relief centres (PPS) in the Serian Division yesterday.
The visits were aimed at assessing the condition of flood victims and ensuring that their welfare remains a top priority. Among the facilities inspected were the Kampung Lintang Baru Multipurpose Hall, SJK Chung Hua Batu 29 in Siburan, and the Ranchan Community Hall in Serian.
As of the latest figures, the Kampung Lintang Baru centre is housing 116 victims from 29 households, while the SJK Chung Hua Batu 29 facility is accommodating 65 people from 18 households, all of whom are residents of Kampung Lintang Baru.
Meanwhile, the Ranchan Community Hall has received 59 evacuees from 26 households, involving residents from Kampung Slabi Empurung, Kampung Slabi Plaman, and Kampung Ranchan.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah explained that the evacuation process is being managed with flexibility to suit ground conditions.
He noted that in some instances, relief centres themselves became inundated, requiring victims to be moved to safer secondary locations.
“Decisions are made based on the prevailing situation. We cannot strictly mandate that a specific village must go to a specific centre; the priority is that everyone remains ready and vigilant 24 hours a day,” he remarked.
The Deputy Premier praised the swift response of the SDMC and the Divisional Disaster Management Committee, who initiated evacuations in the early hours of the morning before conditions deteriorated.
He noted that upon contacting the Resident at 5:00 am, he was informed that evacuations had already commenced at 3am. This, he stated, demonstrates the responsiveness of the SDMC team to public reports and complaints.
Furthermore, he issued a stern reminder to the public to notify authorities at the first sign of rising water levels.
“Do not wait until the water reaches the roof of the house. By that stage, the situation is far too dangerous,” he warned.
He also highlighted the vital role of the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK). He noted that in areas like Krokong, Bau, these teams have been trained to act as first responders, providing immediate food supplies before official government aid arrives — a model of community resilience he described as essential for remote areas with limited accessibility.
Regarding financial assistance, the Sarawak Deputy Premier clarified the state policy, which encourages all affected residents to move to official relief centres to ensure their safety and qualify for compassionate aid.
He concluded the visit by ensuring that basic necessities, including food supplies and facility management, meet satisfactory standards to provide comfort to those facing these challenging circumstances.
Also present were Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn; Bukit Semuja Assemblyman, John Ilus; and senior officials from the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) and the Serian District Office. - UKASNews
