KUCHING: The State Welfare Department is well prepared to respond effectively to any unanticipated emergency situations for the monsoon season.
Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah assured yesterday that the State Disaster Management Committee (JBBN) has set up 82 Forward Bases in strategic places to store food and basic necessities.
“Preparations have started since October and currently, all food rations and logistics had been put in place,” she told reporters at a luncheon with the less fortunate at Absolute Tribal Sarakraf Pavilion in Jalan Tabuan here.
“And depending on the severity of the situation, for instance if flood waters cut off road access in some areas, we will deliver food rations to affected people that could last up to a week,” she said.
Stocked food included rice, water, sugar, tea and coffee, can foods, biscuits and more.
Fatimah elaborated that the committee had also recorded the number of people and families residing in flood prone areas so as to better respond and provide support services.
“Also, we will need to prepare cooked food that is already packed for people affected by flash flood,” she added.
With past experience and observing the situation in Semenanjung (Peninsular) Malaysia, Fatimah said early preparations were crucial to face the unpredictable weather pattern.
“We appreciate that many volunteers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as charitable and welfare organisations and corporate bodies have come on board to help and contribute including medication which is very important,” she added.
Also present was Social Welfare Council of Sarawak president Joan Irene Yong.