By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Dec 11: Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) has heightened its level of preparedness for the monsoon season as increasingly unpredictable weather patterns bring the possibility of early and sudden downpours.
DBKU Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman revealed that DBKU has identified 56 Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) within its jurisdiction, capable of accommodating up to 12,000 evacuees should all centres be activated.
He added that these centres are distributed across DBKU constituencies as follows: 14 in Pantai Damai, 5 in Demak Laut, 21 in Tupong, 6 in Samariang, and 10 in Satok.
The commission has fully activated its disaster management operations, with all units placed on standby to respond swiftly to flash floods or major flooding.
“At specific times, together with the cooperation of other agencies under the supervision of the residents’ office, DBKU is one of the agencies ready and prepared to handle these issues should flash floods or major floods occur. We are aware that king tides are expected in the coming days.
“Nevertheless, the relevant authorities have taken proactive measures regarding this. All involved agencies have been notified as we are prepared, and although the weather has been favourable without heavy rainfall in other areas.
“We believe everything will be under control and have prepared several assets, similar to previous years, such as backhoe loaders, as seen during the inspection of our assets and logistics namely tipper trucks, covered lorries, high-mast mobile lighting, pickup vehicles, a boat, safety jackets, tractors, safety tape, and so on,” he said speaking at a press conference during the ‘Visit to Flood Preparedness Operations DBKU Disaster Management Operations’ programme at the DBKU headquarters today.
Hilmy said DBKU has readied several assets similar to previous years, including backhoe loaders, tipper trucks, covered lorries, high-mast mobile lighting, pickup vehicles, boats, safety jackets, tractors and safety tape to support response operations.
A generator set has also been prepared for use in affected areas in the event of power outages.
According to Hilmy, early maintenance carried out on drains and waterways has significantly reduced the incidence of flash flooding in previously affected areas such as Padang Merdeka.
To reinforce monitoring efforts, DBKU is utilising its 24-hour service centre (PK24J), supported by patrol teams and 80 CCTV units installed at high-risk locations.
A total of 22 flood hotspots has been identified across DBKU’s area, including Jalan Hospital, Jalan Gita Laut, Jalan Gita Tengah, Kampung Pinang Jawa, Taman Mawar, Sungai Maong, Sungai Lumut, Kampung Buntal, Sungai Berdaun, Kampung Bako, Kampung Gobel, Kampung Semerah Padi, Semariang Aman, Kampung Tupong Ulu, Tupong Jaya, Kampung Astana Laut, Kampung Sungai Bedil, Kampung Lintang, Kampung Tunku and RPR Phase 2.
Hilmy reminded the public to remain vigilant, follow weather advisories issued by the Meteorological Department, and avoid high-risk zones during heavy rain.
“We have briefed community leaders such as village chiefs and penghulu. They remain on standby at the high-risk locations.
“We also thank several elected representatives (ADUN) who have gone to the ground with Community Leaders and Village Chiefs (KMKK) to provide more detailed explanations within their areas,” he added.
Residents are also advised to keep their surroundings clean, safeguard their belongings, and contact DBKU directly for emergency assistance via 082-446644 or WhatsApp at 016-8864466.
Also present during the programme were DBKU Director Ramzi Abdillah, DBKU Deputy Director of Infrastructure Services (INS) Mohamad Faisal Adenan and other DBKU staff. — DayakDaily
