KUCHING, Sept 25: The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will rise to the occasion in overcoming any disaster challenges with its strong teamwork and past expriences.
Its chairman, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, highlighted this during an appreciation dinner for officers from various government departments and agencies involved in the just concluded 7th Statewide Anti-Rabies Operation last night (Sept 24).
Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy State Secretary Datu Ik Pahon, State Security and Enforcement Unit director Datuk Dr Chai Khin Chung, district officers, senior police officers and civil servants from three divisions were present.
On the six operations conducted in Kapit, Mukah and Bintulu divisions, Uggah disclosed that they have been successful despite minor hiccups.
“But we have learnt a lot. These have allowed us to constantly improve.
“The next operation, (which would be) the eighth, will hopefully be our last,” he added.
Uggah reiterated that Sarawak has set the target of being rabies-free two years from now, pointing out that the requirement was to vaccinate at 70 per cent of the estimated over 200,000 dogs statewide.
“Our ongoing operation is aimed at achieving 100 per cent vaccination.
“Then there is the need for targetted removal of stray dogs. This had been very challenging as some places have been very difficult.
“But we have got to do what we have got to do. The government policy is to save life over any other issue,” he said.
Uggah commended the police department for the role it played in the operations where police personnel were ‘the commanding officers on the ground’.
Meanwhile, he gave assurance that preparations are being carried out to prepare for possible floods in the coming months.
“We are not sure where it will happen. In 2016, it affected Kuching. Then a year later, Baram was hit, and then Bintulu,” he said.
“But like I have just said, we will overcome whatever challenges based on the very strong teamwork and the expriences we have.” — DayakDaily
