Penguang reads The Borneo Post while on board the express boat, which is transporting the supplies meant for the flood victims in Tinjar.
MIRI: The floods that hit the Tinjar area last week was unexpected as it occurred during the usual period of dry season in previous years, said Assistant Minister for Local Government and Housing Datu Dr Penguang Manggil.
He said the district disaster management committee was caught by surprise and had to scramble to seek funds for relief aid and obtain approval from its headquarters to purchase the essential items slated for distribution.
Penguang’s team arrives at Long Tabing in Tinjar to deliver relief aid to the flood victims there.
Accompanied by Beluru District officer Alfred Geling, Penguang and members of the committee distributed relief aid to the flood victims at their respective locations on Monday.
Starting at Lapok, the team used an express boat to send the assistance to Long Teran, Klinik Long Teran, Kampung Long Teran Kiri, Long Teran Kanan A, Long Teran Kanan, Long Teran Batu, Rumah Joben and Rumah Jarau at Long Tabing, Rumah Francis Ubi, SK Long Jegan, Klinik Long Jegan and Rumah Dennis in Long Jegan.
“The villagers were happy that we came and delivered the aid, although it was slightly delayed,” Penguang said.
According to Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) advisory dated Aug 3 this year, the dry season has started for southern Asean region and the prevailing dry season is expected to continue into October, while the Malaysian Meteorological Department said the transition to monsoon season should begin only this Thursday.
Penguang, who is Marudi assemblyman, said it was the Sarawak government’s policy ‘to be there for the people in their time of need, apart from meeting their aspirations for physical, social and economic developments’.
He also thanked the representatives from the district office, Welfare Department, Police, Sarawak Public Communications Unit, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force and People’s Volunteers Corps (Rela) for coming together to distribute the food and other aid speedily.
A day earlier, the assistant minister visited his constituents at Rumah Langat Anthony Collins in Nanga Majang, Tinjar for an earth-breaking ceremony for their new longhouse, meant to replace the old structure that was destroyed by fire. The residents are currently staying in a temporary shelter.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas approved a grant of RM840,000 earlier this year for the
reconstruction of the longhouse, while Penguang allocated RM85,000 for the building fund last year.
Penguang also presented cheques for RM15,000 and RM5,000 to the village development and security committee and the women’s bureau, respectively, during the earth-breaking ceremony.
He said the rural electrification project was on-going, while the road repair project in this area would kick off soon.
Also present at the function were Geling, local community leaders and councillors.