KUCHING (Feb 7): Five temporary evacuation centres (PPS) in Sarawak have been closed this afternoon as the number of flood victims continued to decline.

The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), in its latest update, reported that the closed PPS were Kampung Lutong Sebangan Hall and Kampung Arus Melayu Hall in Samarahan, SMK Merbau Hall and SK Agama in Miri, and Peliau Multipurpose Hall in Bekenu.

As of 5pm, a total of 22 PPS remain operational across the state, providing shelter to 4,558 evacuees from 1,462 families.

Among them, 169 individuals displaced by landslides are currently housed at Kampung Sukan Hall PPS in Miri and Kampung Bahagia Jaya Teku PPS in Sibu.

MUKAH, 7 Feb: Panglima Briged Kesembilan Infantri Malaysia (9 Bgd), Brigedier Jeneral Jafri Sulaiman, turun padang menyantuni mangsa banjir di Daerah Mukah dan Dalat dalam lawatan ke tiga pusat pemindahan sementara (PPS) semalam.

Briged Kesembilan Infantri Malaysia dalam kenyataan berkata lawatan itu melibatkan PPS Belia Mukah, PPS MRSM Mukah dan PPS Stadium Perpaduan Dalat.

Beliau turut menerima taklimat mengenai Op MURNI daripada Pegawai Memerintah Batalion Keenam Rejimen Sempadan (6 RS), Leftenan Kolonel Lee Swee Chiat.

Selain meninjau keadaan mangsa banjir, Panglima 9 Bgd turut bertemu dengan anggota tentera yang bertugas dalam operasi bantuan banjir di Bahagian Mukah.

Jafri menyampaikan penghargaan kepada semua pihak yang bertungkus-lumus menguruskan PPS dan membantu mangsa banjir menghadapi bencana gelombang kedua ini.

Lawatan tersebut diharapkan dapat memberi suntikan semangat dan sokongan moral kepada mangsa banjir dalam menghadapi situasi sukar ini.

Hadir sama, Ketua Polis Daerah Dalat, DSP Saga Chunggat, serta wakil daripada Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat, Jabatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia, dan Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat Sarawak (JKMS). – TVS

MIRI (Feb 7): The Sarawak government remains committed to prioritising the needs of disaster victims, working closely with relevant agencies to ensure timely assistance and alleviate their hardships, said State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I, Datuk Sebastian Ting.

He also highlighted the overwhelming support from various community sectors, including generous individuals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and corporate entities.

“They donated food, essential supplies and daily necessities to the evacuation centre, bringing warmth and comfort to those affected,” he said.

Ting was speaking when met by reporters during a visit to the Malaysian Red Crescent Miri (MRCM) temporary evacuation centre (PPS) today, which is currently sheltering 105 landslide victims from 25 families.

During the visit, he assessed the living conditions of the victims and ensured that food supplies remained sufficient.

The Piasau assemblyman also expressed gratitude to all donors for their generosity and extended his appreciation to volunteers who have tirelessly dedicated their time and effort.

This collective cooperation is crucial in helping victims navigate these challenging times, he emphasised.

Meanwhile, Miri Mayor Adam Yii distributed 100 packets of rice, donated by Tong Seng Huat Rice Trading Sdn Bhd, to flood victims at Kampung Pujut Adong and Jalan Pujut 7, aiming to ease their burdens.

MIRI (Feb 7): Improvements to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for flood response in Subis District are necessary to address weaknesses and shortcomings, particularly in relief operations for flood victims, said Sibuti MP Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni.

The Federal Deputy Health Minister acknowledged receiving public complaints and criticisms, including from social media users, regarding the effectiveness of flood relief efforts in his constituency.

“I know that whatever efforts and actions have been taken during the floods are not enough for the community and the people of Subis.

“But the improvement of SOPs during floods needs to be carefully thought about,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Lukanisman revealed that as of Wednesday, the Subis Disaster Management Committee had recorded 5,143 households, comprising 24,071 individuals, affected by the floods.

He also expressed surprise at the severity of flooding in Bekenu, which he had not anticipated reaching such an extent.

Lukanisman further disclosed that telecommunications and electricity services had been disrupted in the flooded areas, including Bekenu town.

On the issue of aid distribution, he admitted that initial coordination was ineffective due to the simultaneous flooding in Miri and Subis, compounded by the fact that only two welfare officers were available to oversee relief efforts in Subis.

“When the PPS (temporary evacuation centres) were unprepared and the road was disconnected, the time to build a team, collect boats and buy food baskets became complicated,” he said.

Despite these difficulties, he expressed gratitude to the Subis Disaster Management Committee and all volunteers for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the safety and welfare of flood victims.