By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 16: Sarawak is exploring enhanced cooperation with the United States (US) on maritime crisis and disaster management, including the potential transfer of weather detection modelling and early evacuation planning, following a courtesy call by retired United States Coast Guard Vice Admiral Peter Williams Gautier on Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas today.
Gautier met Uggah, who is also Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, to exchange views on crisis and disaster management, with particular emphasis on maritime emergencies affecting coastal and riverine communities in Sarawak.
During the meeting, both sides discussed opportunities for adapting weather detection modelling systems and early evacuation planning to strengthen Sarawak’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
“Both sides underscored the importance of institutional cooperation, capacity building, and knowledge exchange in enhancing Sarawak’s disaster resilience, including through training, technical assistance, and the sharing of best practices in emergency coordination and command systems,” according to a press release issued by the Office of the Deputy Premier of Sarawak.
Uggah shared his extensive experience in managing various disasters in the State, including floods, the Covid-19 pandemic, fires and haze incidents.
Both parties further exchanged insights on disaster and crisis management, while representatives from the United States Embassy outlined ongoing and potential collaboration programmes in areas such as education, communication, leadership development and biodiversity.
Gautier is in Sarawak to deliver a public talk at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak titled “From Crisis to Cooperation: Case Studies in US Maritime Incident Management.” In recognition of his leadership in complex crisis environments, he was awarded the Meta-Leader of the Year by Harvard University in 2024.
He was accompanied by United States Embassy representatives Sadayan Riazurrahman, Senior Advisor, and Grace Choi, Director of Public Engagement.
Also present at the meeting were Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datu Felicia Tan; Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Director Datu Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi; Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) Director Abdul Wahab Rahim; and Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) Deputy Director Norhayati Abdul Rahman. — DayakDaily
