By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 31: Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has issued a stern reminder to residents in flood-prone areas to prioritise their safety and evacuate immediately when instructed by the authorities.
Speaking during his visit to the Stapok Community Hall Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) today, Uggah emphasised that while residents often hesitate to leave their homes due to security concerns, saving lives must remain top priority.
“It is important that all flood victims follow the instructions of the relevant departments for their own safety. We understand the worry of leaving one’s home behind, but the authorities will ensure that evacuated properties are monitored,” he said.
Reflecting on past challenges, Uggah noted that some residents had previously refused to move, which complicated rescue efforts.
“There were victims last year who did not want to move. Our advice is: please move when instructed to do so for your own safety. We do not want any untoward incidents to occur.
“Please move once you are being mobilised, and all members of the public living in low-lying areas must be ready for any eventualities over the next (few days),” he urged.
Uggah, who is also Deputy Premier said that as of today, two PPS have been activated in the Kuching district to provide shelter for 97 families.
- PPS Stapok: Housing 199 flood victims from 53 families.
- PPS Sinar Budi Baru: 182 victims from 44 families.
He also pointed out a landslide incident in Miri involving one family of four, signifying that the monsoon season has official started in Sarawak.
Heavy rainfall was forecasted to persist until tomorrow (Jan 1) across several divisions, including Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Kuching, and Samarahan.
As SDMC chairman, Uggah directed all divisional and district-level committee across Sarawak to remain on high alert.
“Sarawak has experienced prolonged heavy rain and flooding between January and February. We also urge the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) in rural areas to take immediate actions where government agencies might face delays in reaching remote locations,” he added.
When asked about Sarawak’s preparedness for supplies, Uggah confirmed that the State’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) are well-stocked.
“We have a main supply base in Kota Samarahan and mini supply bases at a few other places. We engaged suppliers to ensure that items can be replenished when needed,” he explained.
He added that the Social Welfare Department (JKM) has already deployed mattresses and prepared meals at the current PPS to ensure the comfort of the evacuees.
“I must thank the agency for their swift actions. We are all very experienced (in handling floods),” he said. — DayakDaily
