(Front, from right) Fatimah, Dr Sim and Uggah interacting with one of the evacuees at the SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa PPS today. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (Jan 30): The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is urging all parties to refrain from sharing unverified information on social media regarding the ongoing flood situation in the state.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas emphasised that any official updates or information on the floods will be issued by the SDMC.
“I saw many viral news stories on social media this morning. Therefore, we advise the public not to share unnecessary messages as the agencies are doing their best.
“Official reports will be provided by the SDMC Secretariat,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the temporary evacuation center (PPS) at SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa, Uggah, who is SDMC chairman, reassured that the committee is doing everything in its power to alleviate the burden of flood victims.
He pointed out that the SDMC has extensive experience in flood management, with floods occurring every year in the state.
However, he acknowledged that the unpredictable nature of the flood’s intensity poses a challenge for the SDMC.
“We were informed that Bintulu is facing an unprecedented flood, the likes of which have never been seen before, leading to issues with facilities and services for its residents.
“However, with the commitment to an efficient management system at the divisional level, coordinated by the Resident Officers, we have successfully aligned all agencies to provide assistance,” he said.
Uggah stressed that the SDMC’s priority is to ensure the safe relocation of flood victims to PPS, although some residents have been reluctant to evacuate.
“As reported earlier, we will do our best to persuade them to move to the PPS.
“This is crucial to ensure their safety is properly safeguarded,” said Uggah.
The SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa PPS is currently sheltering 236 evacuees from 59 families displaced by the floods in Kampung Rantau Panjang.
The operation at this PPS is supported by various agencies, including the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), the police, Social Welfare Department, Health Ministry, the Rela Corp, and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), all working together to ensure the welfare and safety of the evacuees.
Also present during the visit to the PPS were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; state Minister of Women, Children and Community Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63, and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali; Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Kho Teck Wan; and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai.
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