By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 30: The Sarawak police has a total of 1,663 officers on standby with various assets that can be mobilised at any time needed in the event of a flood.
Sarawak Commissioner of Police Dato Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri said the police are able to mobilise 317 land assets including one ambulance, 109 four wheel drive (4WDs), 35 vans, 119 cars, 52 lorries and one bus provided by the Sarawak Police Contingent headquarters (IPK) and District Police headquarters (IPD).
For the marine assets, the police are ready to deploy 67 boats, 64 engine boats, nine trailers, three jet skis and 504 life jackets.
In terms of air assets, there are three planes and three drones on standby.
“On support assets, the total amount is 94 which is 54 generators and 40 tents from IPD and IPK Sarawak,” he said during a press conference held at Sarawak IPK here today.
He further noted that there are 631 temporary evacuation centres (PPS) throughout the State which can accommodate 188,360 flood victims.
He mentioned that the State police contingent will take heed from the lessons of major floods that have occurred in Selangor to be more prepared to face disasters at any time more effectively and to be able to provide assistance as soon as possible.
“Residents in the State, especially those who live in low-lying areas and are exposed to the risk of flooding, are asked to be prepared by storing important documents, necessities and dry food as well as always be aware of early warnings of disasters and move immediately upon receiving instruction from the authorities,” he added.
At the same time, Azman reminded that several roads in Kuching will be closed to give way to the Kuching Marathon 2022 between 11.30pm of Oct 1 and 10am of Oct 2.
The affected roads are Jalan Main Bazaar, Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, Jalan Wawasan, Jalan Borneo, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Padungan, Jalan Satok, Jalan Padang Merdeka, Jalan Haji Taha, Jalan Masjid, and St Mary traffic light to Lebuh Wayang and Jalan McDougall.
Asked on the police preparation for the 15th General Election (GE15), he said the State police will be ready with a strength of 7,063 officers with the assistance of other enforcement departments. — DayakDaily
