OFFICIAL PORTAL
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
SIBU (March 25): Pet owners must take proactive steps to protect their animals’ health following the recent floods, as exposure to contaminated water and unsanitary conditions can lead to serious illnesses.
Veterinarian Dr Wesley Hii of Wesley Veterinary Clinic warned that floodwaters often carry harmful bacteria, parasites, and chemicals that pose significant risks to pets.
“Pet owners must ensure their animals have access to clean drinking water. Avoid letting them drink from puddles or floodwater, which may contain disease-causing pathogens. Provide bottled or boiled water instead,” he told The Borneo Post.
He also emphasised food hygiene, advising pet owners to discard any damp or water-damaged pet food to prevent mold and bacterial contamination.
Dr Hii recommended rinsing pets’ limbs and abdomen with clean water and pet-friendly shampoo after outdoor exposure to remove potential contaminants.
“Thoroughly drying their fur is essential to prevent skin infections. Their living space must also be cleaned—wipe floors and pet supplies with diluted bleach or pet-safe disinfectants to eliminate harmful bacteria,” he said.
He highlighted the increased risk of leptospirosis, rabies, and parasite infestations after floods.
“Pet owners should consult a veterinarian about leptospirosis vaccination, as the disease spreads through contaminated water. It is also crucial to maintain flea and tick prevention treatments and keep pets away from stray or wild animals,” he added.
To reduce exposure to infections, he suggested using waterproof boots for dogs during walks and avoiding stagnant water or muddy areas.
He also urged pet owners to monitor their pets for signs of illness such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or unusual discharge from the eyes or nose.
“If pets show any of these symptoms or have wounds that are not healing, seek veterinary attention immediately to prevent complications,” he stressed.
Beyond physical health, Dr Hii noted that floods could cause stress and anxiety in pets. “Maintaining familiar routines, providing a quiet resting space, and engaging in interactive play can help reduce stress,” he advised.
He also encouraged pet owners to prepare an emergency kit containing pet food, clean water, medications, and vaccination records.
“A post-flood veterinary check-up within one to two weeks is highly recommended to screen for hidden infections or other health issues,” he added.
Dr Hii reminded the public that early intervention and preventive care could significantly reduce health risks for pets.
“Pet owners should take all necessary precautions to protect their animals during this period. If in doubt, consult a veterinarian immediately,” he said.
SEOUL: Sekurang-kurangnya 16 orang maut akibat kebakaran hutan yang melanda wilayah tenggara Korea Selatan.
Agensi berita Yonhap melaporkan, kebakaran yang mula merebak pada Selasa memusnahkan kawasan kejiranan sekali gus memaksa penduduk meninggalkan kediaman masing-masing.
Pihak berkuasa turut memindahkan ribuan banduan dari penjara yang terjejas kerana kebakaran itu.
Pemangku Presiden Korea Selatan, Han Duck-soo, berkata kerajaan akan mengerahkan helikopter pemadam kebakaran serta anggota penyelamat darat untuk mengawal kebakaran yang semakin marak akibat angin kencang dan cuaca kering.
Laporan menyebut, sebahagian mangsa maut ketika cuba menyelamatkan diri, namun gagal apabila kenderaan yang dinaiki mereka terbalik dalam proses pemindahan.
Kebakaran yang mula tercetus pada Sabtu masih belum dapat dikawal sepenuhnya dan telah memusnahkan beberapa kuil purba selain kediaman penduduk setempat.
Sebagai langkah kecemasan, kerajaan mengisytiharkan kawasan-kawasan terjejas sebagai zon bencana khas bagi membolehkan bantuan dan pemulihan segera disalurkan.
KAPIT (March 26): Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Native Customs and Laws) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat handed over the ‘food baskets’, arranged by the Welfare Department, at the Bletih State Complex here on Monday.
The contributions were meant for the villagers of Muhibbah Bletih and Kampung Baru at Jalan Suhuili here, who were adversely affected by the recent floods.
The food baskets were symbolically presented by Jamit to Ketua Kampung Razali Abdullah from Kampung Muhibbah Bletih, while political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Watson Awan Jalai, handed over the items to Ketua Kampung Ahmad Jaraiee from Kampung Baru.
Kapit District officer Cerisologo Sabut, in a statement, said the floods badly affected 26 households, consisting of 149 people, in Kampung Muhibbah; and 56 households in Kampung Baru.
Jamit, meanwhile, thanked the village security and development committees (JKKKs) for working closely with Kapit District Disaster Management Committee and all the leading agencies.
He also thanked the local NGOs for providing help through their donations, meant to help the flood victims.
All agencies and authorities have been urged to immediately mobilise to assist with post-flood management efforts in several affected states, including Johor and Sabah, especially with Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaching.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said such efforts were crucial to help victims clean their homes and alleviate their burden.
“Given the situation in Johor and Sabah, which is gradually improving, all parties, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector, should come together to ease the hardships faced by flood victims,” said Anwar.
“The disaster has caused damage to property and assets, and even disrupted Aidilfitri preparations.”
This message was conveyed by his senior press secretary, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, during the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) daily briefing yesterday.
Three states — Johor, Sabah and Sarawak — have been hit by flooding since last week, with Johor being the hardesthit state, reporting thousands of evacuees.
AN e-hailing driver became an unexpected hero when he used his fishing boat to rescue more than 100 schoolchildren trapped in floods at a school in Taman Tampoi Utama here on Thursday.
Mohd Afiq Yuzaini, 30, braved neck-deep waters with the help of three of his neighbours, making more than 30 trips on foot and by boat to evacuate stranded students, senior citizens, disabled individuals and even pets from rising floodwaters.
“Lives matter more than possessions. If not us, then who?” he said at his flood-hit home in Villa Ros, Taman Tampoi Indah here yesterday.
About 10am on Thursday, Afiq learned from his neighbours that their children were trapped as floodwaters inundated SK Taman Tampoi Utama.
Realising he was the only one with an inflatable boat, he quickly inflated it while his neighbours carried it to the submerged area.
“I walked nearly a kilometre back and forth more than 30 times from morning till night, rescuing as many people as possible.
“The boat engine was useless in shallow areas, so we had to push it.” Afiq’s own home was inundated.
His wife, their 11-month-old baby, and two pet cats were moved to the upper floor for safety, but some important documents were lost.
His father, Yuzaini Mohd Yusop, 55, rushed from Singapore to assist. He managed to save Afiq’s car but lost his own vehicle to the floodwaters.
Afiq, who has lived in Villa Ros for 10 years, described the floods as the worst in 21 years. Many vehicles were submerged as residents were at work when the waters rose.
“My home was ruined, and I won’t be celebrating Raya this year. “But I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to help scores of flood victims. It is the greatest blessing.”
Afiq said his small boat had leaks that required constant draining to stay afloat, but seeing relieved parents reunited with their children made every trip worthwhile.