By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Sept 28: Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (Public Health and Housing) Michael Tiang urges the public not to rely solely on the government to assist them in the event of a flash flood, but rather to be prepared in advance with equipment such as sandbags that can be purchased online.
Tiang stated this today when met by reporters following the ‘Handover Ceremony of Paediatric Specialist Clinic Equipment by Lien Dak Group to Sarawak General Hospital’ in Kozi Square Kuching here.
“I encourage residents to prepare for flash floods with equipment like sandbags to prevent damage to their property.
“I believe that residents in areas where flash floods have occurred in the past should prepare some sandbags or other flash flood prevention equipment before the monsoon season begins,” he said.
He also pointed out that sandbags can divert and prevent water from entering the house.
Tiang, who is also the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Youth chief, went on to say that he had been doing some research on flash flood equipment and had discovered that there is a lot of equipment available online that residents can get for themselves.
“Don’t rely solely on the government for help during a flash flood. Residents, particularly those who have previously experienced flooding in their areas, must take preventive measures,” he added.
Furthermore, he noted that the government’s recommendation that residents pack an emergency bag containing their personal belongings is one of the best precautions for residents to take, particularly in flash flood-prone areas.
“Residents should prepare in light of their past experiences. So, when they are ready, the government will, of course, do its part to prepare for the flash flood.
“We’ve spoken with the resident office, the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Bomba), the Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM) Sarawak, and our local government, which is also preparing personnel for the upcoming monsoon season,” he explained.
Moreover, Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, mentioned that they have been cooperating with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak to monitor the efficiency of the monsoon drains.
“I’ve been informed that DID throughout Sarawak has begun the second cycle of monsoon drain clearing works in preparation for our monsoon season, which begins at the end of the year.
“DID has been monitoring and maintaining the efficiency of the monsoon drains, as well as repairing some of the damaged main drains,” he remarked. — DayakDaily
