By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 14: Sarawak’s flood relief assistance process can sometimes be delayed due to major logistical and accessibility challenges, especially in areas cut off for more than 48 hours during severe flooding, the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) was told today.
Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Ricky@Mohammad Razi Sitam said among the key issues faced were inaccessible land routes caused by rising floodwaters, forcing aid deliveries to rely on water transport.
He added that the limited number of operational boats available to agencies, which are prioritised for rescue and evacuation operations to temporary relief centres (PPS), also affects the distribution of aid, including cooked food supplies to PPS and affected areas.
“The Sarawak government is very concerned about the issue and acknowledges that there are significant challenges in the process of distributing aid during flood disasters,” he told Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today.
He was responding to a question from Allan Siden Gramong (GPS-Machan), who asked about the reasons behind delays in channelling flood aid to victims and whether the ministry would take steps to speed up the process.
Razi explained that the ministry, through the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) and in collaboration with Divisional and District Disaster Management Committees (JPBB/JPBD), has implemented several proactive measures to strengthen disaster preparedness and improve the efficiency of aid delivery.
Among the initiatives undertaken are disaster drills and simulation programmes conducted in Sibu, Kuching and Bintulu involving multiple agencies under JPBB/JPBD.
He said the programmes also included early registration campaigns for victims’ information into the Sistem Info Bencana to help speed up aid management and distribution during disasters.
“A total of 1,175 participants and personnel were involved in the implementation of these programmes,” he said.
On food and essential supplies, Razi said 32 food and essentials suppliers were appointed in the Sibu Division in 2025 to support disaster relief management and ensure continuous aid delivery to victims.
“As of April this year, the number has been increased to 34 suppliers with the addition of two new suppliers to further strengthen preparedness and improve the efficiency of aid delivery during disasters,” he said.
He further revealed that a Mini Depot Container has also been placed at the Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PAWE) in Song, near the Machan constituency, to store relief equipment and essential supplies closer to high-risk areas.
The facility, he said, would help accelerate the mobilisation of aid during disasters and could also be used to assist flood victims in the Machan constituency in addition to residents in Song district.
Responding to supplementary questions from Allan on the types of assistance provided by JKMS to flood and drought victims, Razi said there are two forms of flood aid provided by the government.
For flood victims evacuated to PPS, she said JKMS provides food assistance, either cooked meals or packed food, at a rate of RM50 per person per day.
“If cooked meals are required, PPS without cooking facilities will be provided with kitchen equipment of up to RM5,000 for each PPS,” he said.
He added that flood victims at PPS are also supplied with basic necessities and daily essentials such as mats, bedding equipment and hygiene kits.
Meanwhile, for victims stranded in their homes due to floods and cut off from access routes, dry food assistance can be distributed.
“The aid rate is capped at RM100 per pack for one person for a duration of one week,” he said.
On drought-related assistance, Razi said JKMS provides two types of clean water aid during prolonged dry spells, namely water tanker assistance and bottled drinking water assistance.
He said the assistance is meant for residents in areas without piped water supply or access to clean water from the relevant water authority during drought or extended hot weather conditions.
“In certain situations, this assistance is also channelled when water sources have been contaminated and are unsafe for food preparation and drinking purposes,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
