By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, May 27: The Sarawak Welfare Department (JKMS) has distributed a total of RM21.1 million in disaster assistance to 168,574 victims Statewide, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen support systems ahead of the 2025/2026 Northeast Monsoon.
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah shared that the aid covered victims of floods, landslides, fires, and storms, with new rates of disaster assistance approved by the Sarawak government to be implemented starting in 2025.
The new assistance scheme includes a one-off food pack valued at RM75 per household (for one to five people). In addition, victims will receive a one-off Immediate Assistance in the form of RM200 in pocket money, RM300 for daily attire, RM100 for dry food, and RM200 for sleeping equipment, each per individual.
During her ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today, Fatimah also said that schoolchildren affected by disasters will receive RM300 for uniforms and shoes, and RM200 for school supplies such as bags and stationery.
Fatimah added that eligible households will also receive one-off kitchen appliance assistance amounting to RM1,000, while those needing shelter repair or temporary housing can claim between RM1,000 and RM10,000 in Protection Assistance to purchase building materials or cover rental costs.
While housed at temporary evacuation centres (PPS), victims will be provided with either cooked meals or food rations at RM50 per day per person, whereas for those who lose contact with their families or communities, a separate dry food pack worth RM100 per person will be distributed for a period of one week.
In addition, JKMS had identified 661 temporary evacuation centres throughout Sarawak and has prepositioned disaster relief stocks at the Samarahan Disaster Needs Storage Depot, a Mini Depot in Miri and another in Lawas.
These are further supported by 16 disaster stores at Divisional and District Welfare Offices, and 31 Disaster Response Bases across the State. –DayakDaily
