KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Pending branch has set up a disaster management committee, said its chairman Senator Datuk Sim Kheng Hui yesterday.Sim said the committee, led by the branch Youth chief Tan Kai would play a role in helping the government to extend assistance to those affected by natural disasters.
Hence, he urged community leaders to work with the branch so that together they could deliver the services to the people effectively and efficiently.
He pointed out that the current priority of the committee would be preparations to face more floods.
“It has been raining since Wednesday, we are worried floods would occur. Therefore, I hope community and association leaders could work together with our newly set up disaster management committee,” he said.
He said this before handing-over Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants to 34 associations.
The ceremony was held at SUPP Pending branch at Upper Chawan Road here.
Sim explained that the grant was approved under the allocation for senators.
Around 57 associations benefited from the total grant of RM200,000.
Sim handed over part of the grants to 23 associations last Friday (Jan 8).
Meanwhile, Sim reminded community leaders to stay clam and be sensible when dealing with sensitive issues. For instance, the recent arson attacks on churches, he said.
“When it comes to sensitive issues, community leaders need to stay calm. Chinese associations must not forget their fundamental principle, which is to create a caring society,” he said.
Tan later said the committee is currently preparing equipment such as life jackets and ropes.
He pointed out the establishment of the committee was inspired by a similar committee set up by SUPP Batu Lintang Branch. The committee would work with government agencies and non-governmental organisations such as Resident’s Office, People’s Vigilant Cops (Rela) and Hun Nam Siang Tng, said Tan.
“The main objective of the committee is to create the awareness amongst youths about the importance of their participation in community works.
“Youths play an important role in a country. They could make the difference. I would like to urge youths from all walks of life to join our committee,” he said.
The committee can be contacted at 082-331776 or 082-335373.