By Shikin Louis
SERIAN, Jan 31: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is urging flood victims to evacuate immediately, warning that those who refuse could face life-threatening danger if conditions worsen.
Sarawak’s Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the SDMC chairman, revealed that some flood victims are still hesitant to leave their homes despite worsening conditions.
“In several areas, residents are not ready to move.
“Some are waiting, while others, like a group in Tatau, have relocated on their own to a church,” he said during a press conference at Serian Community Hall today. A recording of his press conference was later made available to the media.
Expressing concern for the safety of flood victims, Uggah warned that those who refuse to evacuate could face life-threatening danger if the situation deteriorates.
“That is why we have advised our ground personnel, including the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Civil Defence Force (APM), and medical teams, to actively persuade reluctant residents to move to designated centres,” he added.
He further assured that the police will monitor abandoned villages to prevent any incidents.
Additionally, he urged heads of temporary relocation centres to monitor and report any disease outbreaks so that the medical department can take immediate action. – DayakDaily
