BINTULU, Jan 19: As Bintulu Civic Centre is currently undergoing a renovation process, Kampung Asyakirin Hall here has been activated as the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) to place storm victims from Iris Garden yesterday evening.
Bintulu Member of Parliament (MP) Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said many houses in Iris Garden were affected during heavy storms.
Abruptly afterwards, the Bintulu District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) immediately coordinated with the Bintulu Social Welfare Department (JKM) on the matter when the disaster hit.
“I thank the Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli for the approved allocation.
“The Resident’s Office will also immediately repair the damaged roof of Iris Garden apartment so that the victims can return to their respective residences as soon as possible, in addition to the fact that Kampung Asyakirin Hall is not a suitable place for them to stay for a long time,” he said in a statement yesterday (Jan 18).
Tiong, who is Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), further said that he is currently attending a retreat camp with the Federal Cabinet but will rush back to Sarawak today to chair the Bintulu DDMC meeting and deliberate on preparation for potential disasters such as strong wind and flood.
“We will also collect all relevant information and data before taking the necessary follow-up action,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tiong said he has reported the Bintulu tragedy to Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Dato Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, besides attempting to obtain the necessary aid, especially from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
“Thank you to all leaders who understood the urgent situation when easing the bureaucratic process by mobilising the relevant agencies to immediately assist the victims in the rescue operation, including evacuating the victims to designated centres and repairing the affected infrastructure.
“At the same time, I am also grateful to the Deputy Premier of Sarawak and the chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and the Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, for their help in speeding up the relief process,” he elaborated.
According to a report by SDMC earlier today, PPS Kampung Asyakirin has recorded 27 victims from eight families. — DayakDaily
