By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 22: Sarawak has so far avoided the severe flooding that struck Bintulu during Chinese New Year last year, despite heavy rains across the State earlier this week, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He noted that Sarawak remains on high alert during the Northeast Monsoon, with floods commonly occurring between January and March each year.
“Last year, Bintulu experienced major flooding right during Chinese New Year.
“This year, we are fortunate because the rainfall has been lighter and has not caused any major floods,” he told reporters during a visit to the now-closed temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at Masjid Darul Istiqlaal, Kampung Sungai Maong today.
The PPS had earlier sheltered 18 families, totaling 65 residents of Kampung Sungai Maong, who evacuated their homes due to heavy rain on Feb 20. All evacuees have since returned home safely following the centre’s closure at 12.30pm today.
Nevertheless, Uggah who is the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, stated that all SDMC offices at the division and district levels, together with government agencies such as the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), have been instructed to continue monitoring flood-prone areas, damaged roads and landslide risks.
“Even when the weather seems calm, we cannot be complacent. Any road damage must be addressed quickly so it can be used without delay,” he said.
He further commended the teams who assisted in relocating the residents of Kampung Sungai Maong, including a bedridden individual, emphasising that safety is the top priority.
He also expressed gratitude to the evacuees and community leaders for cooperating during the move.
“The goal is to ensure that whenever an evacuation is necessary, everyone complies for their own safety.
“Community Emergency Response Teams in villages are also instructed to remain alert and coordinate their responses in case of any incidents,” he emphasised.
Also present was Satok assemblyman Dato Ibrahim Baki. – DayakDaily
