By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 14: The Sarawak government will establish a state-level committee to formulate a long-term flood mitigation plan, including engineering studies, river management, and drainage improvements, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said today.
According to a TVS news report, speaking after inspecting flood-affected areas in Bintulu, Abang Johari said the move was necessary to address recurring flood risks, particularly in rapidly developing areas such as Bintulu, and to avoid repeated damage to infrastructure during successive monsoon waves.
He explained that repair works on flood-damaged roads and infrastructure would not be carried out immediately, as further flooding is still possible, including a potential next wave in February.
“Infrastructure repairs will take time. If we repair too early and another wave of floods comes, the damage may happen again,” he said.
At the same time, Abang Johari praised the overall flood management efforts, noting that early preparedness since September last year had significantly reduced the impact on affected communities.
“I wish to express my appreciation and thanks to the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) under the leadership of Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, as well as the State and federal civil service, who have worked tirelessly to assist flood victims during this monsoon season,” he said.
He said early planning allowed evacuation centres, food aid and healthcare services to be delivered in an orderly manner despite unpredictable monsoon conditions.
On the welfare of flood victims, he said food supplies remained sufficient, with evacuees receiving up to five meals a day, while health needs were prioritised, including immediate hospital referrals for victims suffering from conditions such as asthma and stroke.
As conditions improved, most evacuation centres have been closed.
“Today, 56 centres have been closed, leaving only 10 still active, compared with 66 at the initial stage. The number of evacuees has dropped to 1,638 from 7,465 earlier,” he said, adding that water levels tended to rise quickly but recede slowly.
Abang Johari also recorded his appreciation to security agencies, medical teams, volunteers, non-governmental organisations, and the media for their roles in assisting flood victims across Sarawak. — DayakDaily
