By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Oct 25: Sarawak received a big boost to tackle flood in low lying and flood prone areas during the current monsoon season with the allocation of additional 45 boats with compete accessories.
Sarawak Deputy Civil Defence Force (APM) chief Lt Col Cuthbert John Martin Quadra said these boats will be distributed equally to all the 12 divisions in Sarawak.
“The allocation of these 45 units of 9-feet fibre glass boats come with complete accessories is very timely for us to get prepared for the monsoon month which has started on Oct 24 and expected to last until February 2020,” he told members of the media at APM Centre along Jalan Bako here today.
He assured that APM and other government agencies have put their assets on standby mode for any eventuality.
“We will work closely with other government agencies such as the police, Fire and Rescue Services Department (Bomba), Heath Department, Welfare Department and other related agencies during the wet season to ensure there is smooth operations,” he added.
With the additional assets, APM now has 116 units of assets of various models and sizes statewide.
“These assets will be combined with assets of other agencies for the purpose of assisting our people during floods and their related needs,” he emphasised.
Cuthbert also revealed that all the 300 plus APM’s personnel in Sarawak were now on standby mode and that their leave has been frozen due to the wet season.
“The Deputy Prime Minister has given the directive that all leave is frozen for all staff and personnel of the relevant agencies starting from October until the end of the monsoon season. This is to ensure that we can provide the best assistance to those who need our help and to prevent any unwanted incidents,” he stressed.
He also revealed that APM Sarawak has identified the flood prone areas and that the agency will monitor all these areas together with other related agencies.
“We have the list of the flood prone areas and we have distributed the list to all our 12 divisional offices throughout the state. But at the same time, we are also looking out for the whole state holistically,” he added.— DayakDaily
