KUCHING: The Sarawak government has increased its preparedness to face the Northeast Monsoon including the possibility of major floods like last year, with all assets and agencies mobilized in an integrated manner.

Sarawak Deputy Premier and Chairman of the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBNS) Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that all Disaster Management Committees at the Divisional and District levels have been instructed to be fully prepared in terms of manpower, machinery and equipment.

"We have also informed departments such as the Sarawak Public Works Department and the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) to keep an eye on any areas damaged by landslides or broken roads.

"We ask all parties to continue to pay close attention and take immediate action so that if the road is broken, it can be repaired and used again as soon as possible.

"This situation occurs every rainy season in several places, so we would like to give instructions so that all agencies are always ready with their respective manpower, machinery and equipment," he said.

He said this when met by the media after visiting the Majid Darul Istiqlal Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) on Sunday.

According to him, the unpredictable weather conditions during the rainy season require all agencies to remain vigilant, while assistance to victims will be strengthened to reduce the burden they bear.

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah also called on residents in flood-risk areas to always be prepared, obey the authorities' instructions and immediately evacuate if instructed to do so for the safety of themselves and their families.

He informed that the committee led by the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) continues to monitor the current situation, while the Community Emergency Response Teams in the villages have been urged to meet and be prepared.

"This is because there are villages that are far away, where our machinery may take up to a day to arrive," he said.

For the record, the Masjid Darul Istiqlal PPS is currently housing 65 victims involving 18 families.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy and PETROS) Datuk Ibrahim Baki, heads of departments and representatives of government agencies under the JPBNS. – UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo: Ibanez Jeffery
Translator: Ryan Lim