By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 29: After floods in Bintulu and a landslide in Miri earlier this year, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has mobilised nearly 30,000 personnel, volunteers and assets as the State braces for the Northeast Monsoon from November 2025 to March 2026.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who chairs SDMC, said all relevant agencies including the police (PDRM), Sarawak Health Department (JKNS), Social Welfare Department, Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Civil Defence Force (APM) and the Sarawak Enforcement and Security Unit (UKPS) have confirmed their readiness.
“In total, we have 7,407 personnel, 3,637 land assets, 8,619 water assets such as boats, and 14 air assets including helicopters and drones.
“On top of that, 22,428 volunteers and community emergency response teams will be on the ground to act as first responders in kampungs and longhouses, especially in remote areas,” he told a press conference after chairing the SDMC meeting held at Raia Hotel here today.
Uggah further stated that the UKPS has been upskilled to lead on-site response teams, with its Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) deployed to complement existing ground assets.
“It is important that we deliver the best service to victims. We must learn from past experiences. What was good, we follow. What was not good, we correct,” he added.
Preparations also include 658 designated temporary evacuation centres (PPS), which are undergoing inspection and repairs where necessary.
The Welfare Department under Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) has readied food supplies and essential items, stored in one central depot in Kota Samarahan and 28 forward bases Statewide.
Additionally, the Public Works Department (JKR), Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) and local councils have been instructed to inspect slopes, roads and town areas vulnerable to landslides, noting the devastating incident in Kampung Lereng Bukit in Miri this year as a reminder.
Schools and clinics in flood-prone zones have also been told to safeguard computers, equipment and facilities against flood damage.
“Community-based emergency response teams have been trained regularly because some of our villages and longhouses are very remote. For example, in Long Busang, which is currently facing floods, it takes time for our manpower and assets to reach. That is why local preparedness is vital to avoid casualties and minimise losses,” he explained.
While reiterating that Sarawak is “well-prepared” for the monsoon, Uggah expressed hope that the State would be spared from severe floods.
“We pray it will not happen, but we must be ready for any possibilities,” he said.
Also present at the press conference were KPWK Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) Datu Buckland Bangik who is also SDMC deputy chairman and UKPS director Abdul Wahab Rahim. – DayakDaily
