KUCHING (Feb 13): The RM1,000 one-off flood relief assistance for each household affected by the recent floods in Sarawak will be distributed soon, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman said the allocation for the aid is already available, pending confirmation of the recipient list.

“We have agreed to provide RM1,000 to each household affected by the floods, and this assistance will be distributed through SDMC at the divisional and district levels.

“There are 4,966 affected households, with a total of 16,700 victims placed in 86 temporary evacuation centres, including landslide and fire victims,” he said.

Uggah was speaking to reporters after receiving a RM300,000 donation cheque from the National Welfare Foundation (YKN) to the Sarawak government at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.

Federal Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, who is also YKN chairperson, handed over the cheque to Uggah.

Expressing gratitude to YKN for its contribution, Uggah highlighted that Sarawak had also received RM12.8 million from the federal government to assist flood victims.

Additionally, the Sarawak government has allocated RM10 million for the same purpose, as previously announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said Sarawak had also received contributions from Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) with RM2 million, Bumiputera Contractors Association of Malaysia (RM50,000), and MBSB Bank Berhad (RM100,000).

“We thank all parties who have contributed to SDMC, enabling us to assist the flood victims, repair damaged infrastructures, and more,” he said.

Uggah added that SDMC is currently assessing damages to infrastructure, including clinics, schools, hospitals, and roads.

The findings would be presented at the State Cabinet meeting next week and forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office and the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) for further action.

Meanwhile, Nancy said YKN would also be heading to Sabah next week to provide similar assistance to flood victims there.

“We deeply sympathise with what Sarawak is facing, and that is why we at YKN believe that this is the best way to help,” she said.