KUCHING, Dec 17: The People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA) in the Betong division has been told to prepare for the coming landas (monsoon) season which is expected to begin from January to February next year.
In facing the situation, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said based on previous years, it will be full of challenges.
“In the past, we have seen how bridges were swept away by raging floodwater and roads cut off, denying people access to their village or town areas.
“We have also seen how people needed to be rescued and evacuated, and aid such as food and water needed to be sent to them urgently,” Uggah said at the closing ceremony for RELA members who attended a briefing yesterday.
He added that a communication system is an important aspect of preparation because victims need to reach out for help.
Rescuers will also need to reach out to the victims, hence proper communication will allow them to know who needs help and so on.
Uggah also urged RELA members to address and educate fellow villagers on what to do when they are facing a flood.
Meanwhile, earlier this morning, Uggah had flagged off a convoy of motorists urging voters in Betong to come out in full force to cast their votes tomorrow.
The convoy of 60 riders rode from the village areas near town to Uggah’s longhouse in Spaoh and back.
Among those who attended the event were Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate for N36 Layar Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu.— DayakDaily
