KUCHING: The Sarawak Government continues to strengthen its disaster preparedness and aid delivery systems to ensure assistance for flood victims is channelled more quickly, systematically and effectively, despite logistical challenges in several affected areas.

Sarawak Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam said constraints such as inundated land routes and a limited number of boats for operations have been identified as factors affecting the smooth delivery of aid to flood-hit areas.

“At the same time, the limited number of agency operational boats as well as their prioritisation for rescue operations and evacuating victims to Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) also impacts the aid distribution process, including the delivery of cooked food to the PPS and affected areas,” he said.

He said this while responding to a question from Machan Assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong during the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Thursday.

According to him, his ministry, through the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) in collaboration with the Divisional and District Disaster Management Committees (JPBB/JPBD), has consistently undertaken proactive measures to enhance the efficiency of disaster relief management across the state.

He noted that initiatives implemented include Practical Training and Simulation Programmes in the Sibu, Kuching, and Bintulu Divisions involving various agencies under the JPBB and JPBD.

“Through these programmes, early registration campaigns for victims’ information into the Disaster Information System are also carried out to accelerate the management and distribution of assistance during disasters.

“These programmes also serve as platforms to test the effectiveness of standard operating procedures (SOPs), identify weaknesses requiring improvement and strengthen community preparedness in facing emergency situations,” he explained.

Datuk Mohammad Razi added that a total of 32 food and essential goods suppliers were appointed in the Sibu Division in 2025, with the number increasing to 34 suppliers as of April this year to further strengthen disaster relief preparedness.

Furthermore, a Mini Container Depot has also been placed at the Song District Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PAWE) near the Machan constituency to enable relief supplies to be stored closer to high-risk areas.

“Besides meeting the needs of residents in Song District, the supplies stored at the Mini Container Depot can also be utilised to assist victims affected in the Machan constituency,” he added.

The Saribas Assemblyman further informed that the government provides various forms of welfare assistance to flood and drought victims through JKMS.

According to him, flood victims housed at PPS are provided with food assistance, either cooked meals or packed food, at a rate of RM50 per person per day, in addition to essential items such as mats, sleeping equipment and hygiene kits.

For victims cut off from access routes and unable to relocate to the PPS, dry food aid is also channelled at a rate not exceeding RM100 per person for a one-week period.

“During the dry season, two forms of clean water assistance are provided, namely water tank supply assistance and bottled drinking water assistance, specifically for residents in areas without access to clean water supply or where water sources have been contaminated,” he said. - UKASnews

Prepared By: Gabriel Rommy
Photo By: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Ryan Lim