By Doreen Ling
BINTULU, Feb 1: Despite the challenges brought by the continuous rainfall in Sarawak—especially during the Chinese New Year celebration—it did not dampen the desire to help those in need, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“As we celebrate Chinese New Year, we also have to find ways on how to help those affected by the floods and landslides caused by the continuous rain.
“While we celebrate with our families, we don’t forget about those facing these challenging times,” he said at the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Bintulu branch Chinese New Year open house today.
During his speech, the Premier also extended his sympathy to those affected by the continuous rainfall.
“Most of Bintulu town was submerged and it has affected housing areas, farms, and business premises. In Miri, we lost lives (because of the landslide). I had the opportunity to meet with the survivors, but one of them sustained serious injuries to their leg,” he said.
At the same time, he also thanked the private sector for their contributions to flood relief efforts.
He also thanked volunteers and agencies like the police, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), and the Civil Defence Department (APM), as well as elected representatives for helping constituents in need.
“This is our culture, and I am confident that with this cooperation among the people, we will go back to how things were.
“We pray that the rain will stop so that everything can go back to normal, and I have instructed the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to audit losses incurred from the floods, and later we will provide assistance to those in need,” he said. — DayakDaily
