State on standby for rising waters, identifies locations for 610 relief centres, 25 forward bases
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu-PHOTO FILE
KUCHING: Sarawak has enhanced its flood preparation with 610 relief centres, 164 suppliers of dry rations and 25 forward bases identified and set up across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, who is the chairman of State Disaster Relief Committee (JPBN), however said there was nothing to be alarmed about yet as according to the latest weather forecast Sarawak can expect less rain in the next two weeks.
“The weather is looking quite stable in the next two weeks. No major danger on flood as of now,” he told a press conference after chairing the JPBN meeting on preparations to face the monsoon season at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.
According to the Meteorological Department, the prevailing monsoon season to last until March next year would see four episodes of heavy rainfall for three to five days that may cause flood in the east coast of peninsula in November to January 2016 and west Sarawak in January to February 2016.
“January and February could see more rain but nothing to be worried as all agencies and departments are prepared and equipped to face any uncertainty of the evolving weather pattern,” he assured.
“Relief centres and food storage facilities to cater in the event of flood for low lying areas like Long Panai in Tutoh Apuh which is more likely to be affected by heavy rainfall, have been readied,” he said. Meantime, he added that they were also looking at setting up a food storage facility at the Tinjar River in Miri Division due to its remote location that could pose logistical difficulties.
Jabu also assured that they had built up the capacity by getting equipment from Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) as well as land support from the Armed Forces and air support from the Air Force in addition to Bomba’s helicopters.
“We do not see any danger of flood or drought at the moment but we will keep the public updated with the weather forecast from time to time,” he reassured.
As for welfare assistance, Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah emphasised that forward bases where food are stored serve as a crucial point to deliver necessities to rural and remote areas in the event of flood.
“Time is of essence in reaching out to people who may be stranded by flood. It will take efforts and time to get to them,” she said of the challenges.
“Food ration for 100 persons will be prepared and delivered latest by December for forward bases in Long Panai, Long Iman in Mulu, Long Jengan in Tinjar, Long Loyang in Baram, Long Terawan and Long Lemang, all of which are far-to-reach areas in the Miri Division,” she pointed out.
Food ration, she elaborated, will consist of instant food like rice, biscuits, instant noodles, sugar, tea, coffee and so on.
Based on past experience, she revealed that relief centres this time will be equipped with partition for breast-feeding mothers and women to carry out their daily activities like changing clothes and sleeping.
“This is to protect the dignity of these women by providing them with the privacy needed to take care of their business,” she explained.
“As victims will suffer some kind of trauma and pressure when disaster strikes and having to accept the loss in properties or other things, the department is also ready to provide counselling to reassure and comfort the victims,” she said.
Fatimah revealed that the Welfare Department will also carry out a one-day simulation exercise on Nov 21 at the Multipurpose Hall of Batu Kitang Jaya, involving all agencies and departments to identify any weakness in the delivery of assistance for flood victims.
Also present were Deputy State Secretary Datu Misnu Taha, acting state security secretary of the National Security Council (MKN) DSP Abdul Razak Abdul Wahab, JPAM Sarawak director Colonel (PA) Mohtar Samat as well as representatives of departments and agencies such as the Armed Forces, State National Security Council, Police, Fire and Rescue and others.