KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) wants all divisional and district disaster management committees statewide to beef up their preparations for possible floods.
SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said these include ensuring sufficient stocking of food supplies and other essential items at their food centres.
“The respective departments which are members of the SDMC must get ready all their required facilities and manpower.
“We want all these departments to be on full alert as well,” said Uggah after attending a briefing on the flood situation in the state held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia conference room here, yesterday.
Uggah, who is also the Deputy Premier, said he had directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to pay special attention to any destruction of roads or roads that had been or would be cut off because of floods.
“These roads will be riddled with potholes and will be dangerous to users. I have directed the PWD to be on standby, ready to repair them or to rebuild the access so that the people will be minimally impacted,” he said.
Meanwhile the Meteorological Department had forecasted for continuous rain to hit certain parts of the state from today till October 14, 2022.
These areas include Mukah Division (Daro, Matu, Dalat and Mukah districts), Bintulu Division, Miri Division (Subis, Beluru, Miri and Marudi districts) and Limbang Division.
Uggah advised those living close to rivers to take all the necessary precautions.
“Please listen to any directives from our officers monitoring on the ground. Do not hesitate to move to evacuation centres or higher ground if you are advised to do so.
“This is for your and your family’s safety,” he said.
On another note, Uggah was satisfied with the operations carried out by the officers concerned in a few areas in Miri and Kapit Divisions affected by floods recently.
“I can see that our teams had responded speedily and efficiently in helping the victims.” he said.
Among those present were the state Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata, state Security and Enforcement Unit director Datuk Dr Chai Khin Chung and the Welfare Department director Noriah Ahmad.
