BINTULU: Early planning preparations implemented since September last year have enabled the Sarawak Government to manage and address the effects of floods more effectively, despite facing unpredictable weather.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that although the weather forecast was helpful in terms of timing, the exact location of the rain was still difficult to predict, hence prioritising early preparation in dealing with disasters.

According to him, the results of a visit to several Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) including in Sebauh found that the assistance distributed was sufficient and organised, in addition to the victims being satisfied with the facilities and accommodation provided.

“The welfare and health aspects of the victims were also given attention.

“There were victims with health problems such as asthma and stroke, which was handled in collaboration with the medical team and the Welfare Department,” he said.

He said this at a press conference in conjunction with his visit to the PPS for flood victims at the Bintulu Civic Centre, Wednesday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that the food supply at the PPS is sufficient with distribution up to five times a day, ensuring that the basic needs of the victims continue to be maintained.

He also informed that the flood situation is improving when 56 out of 66 PPS have been closed, while the remaining 10 PPS are still operating with the number of victims decreasing to 1,638 people.

Also present during the visit were Sarawak Deputy Premier and Chairman of the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development and Kemena Assemblyman Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development and Samalaju Assemblyman Datuk Majang Renggi, Jepak Assemblyman Iskandar Turkee, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, Bintulu Division Resident Datu Nyurak Keti, Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit Director Abdul Wahab Rahim and Bintulu District Officer Awang Mohammed Nizam Awang Ali Bohan. -UKASnews