OFFICIAL PORTAL
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
SCRAPING away inches of mud has become a daily struggle for Mohamad Wasli Sulai and his family as they work tirelessly to clean up their home in Kampung Lereng Bukit in Miri.
Their house was submerged in mud and water for days following last week’s flash floods and landslide, leaving them with the daunting task of restoring their living space to its former condition.
“It still rains every day, and the risk of another landslide remains. That’s why we’re not allowed to return home yet. We’re doing everything we can – slowly but surely, we’ll get it clean and move back,” he told The Borneo Post in Miri.
Having lived in Kampung Lereng Bukit all his life, Mohamad Wasli knew what to expect when the rain persisted for days.
“We were monitoring the situation. Once the water flowing down from the hill turned murky, we knew it was time to pack our things and move to a safer place,” he said, describing the constant vigilance that Kampung Lereng Bukit residents must undertake.
At the time, all the women and children in his family – 20 people in total – had already been evacuated to a relative’s house, while the men stayed behind to salvage the valuable items, move cars to safety, and monitor the situation.
However, no one expected the devastating toll brought by the landslide that struck on Jan 29, burying two houses and claiming five lives.
“We were there. Two victims made it out; they were buried under the mud, but they got out. “Unfortunately, we had to wait for Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) to help the rest because we did not have the equipment.
“It all happened so fast. They were just like us, preparing to evacuate, but did not make it this time,” said Mohamad Wasli, his voice heavy with sorrow.
‘Relocation: Not an easy decision’
Following the disaster, the government had proposed relocating residents to a new housing area as a safety measure. However, Mohamad Wasli was among those who were against it.
His family has been in Kampung Lereng Bukit for four generations. His father migrated from Mukah to Miri before World War II, settling in the village and raising his family there.
“My family has taken root here for generations. It’s not just about leaving a house; it’s about leaving behind a lifetime of memories, community and history.
“Even after experiencing three landslides and countless flash floods over the past 45 years, moving away is not an easy decision.” For many residents, the financial strain of starting over made relocation an unrealistic option.
“You can ask anyone here. Most of us simply cannot afford to move. “If the proposed relocation site is in Tudan, we don’t want to be given just a piece of land and be left to build our own homes.
“That’s not a solution,” Mohamad Wasli pointed out. He acknowledged the government’s good intentions, but also stressed that proper financial support was crucial.
“Unless they provide us with fully-built, ready-to-move-in houses, relocation is not even an option for us.”
‘Rebuild lives from scratch’
Fellow villager, Mohd Aliff Zaidi, has also returned home days after the landslide to clean his family house and protect their valuable items.
His family has lived in Kampung Lereng Bukit for three generations, and while his family members are staying at a relative’s house for now, he stays behind to monitor the situation.
“If there’s heavy rain, I’ll evacuate to a safer place,” he said.
However, the 39-year-old entrepreneur has another major concern – his livelihood. He runs a small welding business, with his workshop located next to his house.
“Relocating means I would have to abandon my source of income. My entire business is here.
“How would I start over?”
Like many others, Mohd Aliff has been discussing the government’s proposal with his neighbours.
“If the compensation doesn’t commensurate with the value of our properties, tens of thousands of ringgits wouldn’t be enough for us to rebuild our lives from scratch.
“If that’s the case, staying here is still the best option.” Moreover, he said the elderly members of his family were deeply attached to their home.
‘Call for sustainable living arrangements’
Another villager, Nurain Mohd Bujang Sharibee, 30, said her family home of three generations was not as badly hit as others.
“There’s just mud, which we had quickly cleaned up, but we’re not allowed to return home yet because of the very high risk, as it still rains every day.”
Currently seeking refuge at her cousin’s home, Nurain said she had heard news about the government’s proposal for relocation and the rumours surrounding the compensations.
She remarked: “Instead of relief, the news has sparked concern and uncertainties among the residents.
“Yes, we face the risk of disasters living here, but the thought of squeezing into a small flat or house in a new location with all our family members, this is overwhelming.
“It makes us panic,” she told The Borneo Post. Nurain pointed out that a one-household-per-lot allocation would not work, as most lots in the village accommodated multiple families.
“Each house easily shelters more than 10 people. Relocating us isn’t just about giving us new homes; it’s about ensuring that we would have sustainable living arrangements.
“Some of us were hit by landslides, and some by mud. “Others haven’t even returned home because there’s still no decision on when it’s safe.
“If the government wants us to move, the compensations must be fair and reflective of what we’ve built here. “Many of us have lived in this village for generations, not just a year or two – we were born and raised here.”
“They spent decades building this house. They won’t simply leave it behind.” For now, Mohd Aliff and his family count themselves lucky as their house, while filled with mud and water, remains structurally intact.
“As long as everyone is safe, we can slowly replace what we’ve lost,” he said, recalling that the house had once sustained landslide damage back in the 1980s.
‘What’s next?’
While many Kampung Lereng Bukit folks are highly not in favour of the relocation proposal, Ismail Mohamed, 58, gives a completely different perspective – one that hints fear and exhaustion.
His family home, which has stood for three generations, was hit by landslide for the second time. The first incident caused severe damage; this time, the back of his house was buried under fallen trees and thick layer of mud.
When first approached, Ismail was hesitant to speak, citing asthma as the reason that he could not engage in long conversations.
However, the sadness in his eyes spoke volumes – a silent testament to why he was willing to leave, if only the government could guarantee a safe home for his family.
“I’ve had enough of living in fear, worrying about my family’s safety and my own. “My house has survived this time, but what about the next?
“If the government could provide a secure house for my family, I am more than willing to move,” he said.
PETALING JAYA – Jabatan Meteorologi (MetMalaysia) mengeluarkan amaran ribut petir, hujan lebat dan angin kencang di Perak, Sarawak dan Sabah sehingga pukul 9 malam ini.
MetMalaysia memaklumkan, amaran di Perak melibatkan Kinta, Perak Tengah, Kampar dan Batang Padang.
“Seterusnya ribut petir, hujan lebat dan angin kencang di Sarawak pula melibatkan Serian (Serian), Samarahan, Sibu, Bintulu (Bintulu dan Sebauh), Miri (Subis, Beluru, Telang Usan dan Marudi) dan Limbang.
“Di Sabah pula di Pedalaman (Nabawan) dan Sandakan (Kinabatangan dan Sandakan),” menurut hantaran Facebook MetMalaysia hari ini. – KOSMO! ONLINE
KUALA LUMPUR: Situasi banjir di Sabah dan Sarawak beransur pulih dengan penurunan jumlah mangsa banjir yang ditempatkan di pusat pemindahan sementara (PPS), namun tindakan waspada masih perlu diambil.
Justeru, Timbalan Perdana Menteri yang juga Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Negara, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi berharap Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara (NADMA) boleh memulakan usaha untuk menyusun atur gerak bagi kerja-kerja pasca banjir.
Katanya, ini termasuk usaha pembaikan yang membabitkan koordinasi dan tindakan pelbagai agensi kerajaan bagi mempercepatkan pemulihan, terutama infrastruktur di kawasan yang terjejas.
"Ini bagi memastikan keadaan kerosakan yang terjadi akibat banjir berkenaan tidak mengancam keselamatan dan memberi gangguan kepada penduduk dalam tempoh yang lama," katanya dalam kenyataan di Facebook hari ini.
Dalam kemaskini setakat tengah hari ini, sebahagian besar daerah terjejas di Sarawak sudah menunjukkan angka penurunan mangsa kecuali di daerah Beluru, yang mana berlaku peningkatan bagi kemasukan mangsa terjejas ke PPS.
"Setakat laporan yang dikeluarkan pada jam 12 tengah hari ini, hanya terdapat 1,970 keluarga babitkan 6,269 mangsa yang masih berlindung di 28 PPS berbanding 9,296 mangsa daripada 2,742 keluarga pada minggu lalu.
"Bintulu mencatatkan mangsa tertinggi iaitu 3,011 orang yang berlindung di empat PPS. Sementara di Sabah, terdapat empat daerah masih dilanda banjir setakat tengah hari ini melibatkan 298 keluarga dan 963 mangsa yang berlindung di enam PPS," katanya.
Bagaimanapun, katanya terdapat satu PPS dibuka pagi ini bagi menempatkan 160 mangsa daripada 53 keluarga di daerah Membakut, berbanding hanya tiga daerah iaitu Beaufort, Kinabatangan dan Tambunan setakat semalam.
"Biarpun situasi kelihatan sudah reda, saya ingin mengingatkan semua pihak kemungkinan berlakunya luruan yang membawa hujan lebat masih ada, memandangkan Monsun Timur Laut dijangka tamat pada Mac.
"Jabatan Meteorologi (METMalaysia) pada jam 11.45 pagi ini turut mengeluarkan amaran ribut petir di beberapa tempat di Sarawak iaitu di Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, Miri dan Limbang yang dijangka sehingga 3 petang ini. Orang ramai dinasihatkan berhati-hati dan peka dengan keadaan ini," katanya.
Dalam pada itu, Ahmad Zahid berkata beliau berpuas hati dengan keseluruhan pengurusan bencana di Malaysia Timur setakat ini dan menzahirkan terima kasih semua pihak yang membantu mangsa banjir serta menghulurkan bantuan dan sumbangan dalam pelbagai bentuk bagi meringankan beban mangsa.
PONTIAN: The formation of a special task force has enabled flood mitigation projects in Johor to be completed two years ahead of schedule, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The Johor Mentri Besar said the task force launched last year has been collaborating with several ministries to expedite high-impact projects across the state, including those related to flood prevention.
"The task force has been monitoring the progress of these high-impact projects and is working with the relevant ministries to speed up implementation and prevent any delays."
"Among the projects we have successfully expedited are flood mitigation initiatives. Most of these projects in Johor were initially scheduled for completion in 2029."
"However, the task force has managed to shorten the timeline by two years, with completion now expected by 2027," he said.
Onn Hafiz said this to reporters after launching the Jom Jelajah Johor programme at Kompleks Penghulu Serkat on Sunday (Feb 9).
He said the task force focuses on major infrastructure projects, including those related to roads, drainage and irrigation, and hospitals.
"These are projects that have a significant impact on Johoreans and we want to ensure everything goes well," he said.
Regarding the event, Onn Hafiz said the Jom Jelajah Johor programme aims to ensure Johoreans benefit from the state's robust economic development.
"This is one of the state government's ways to ensure that every initiative implemented in the state can be directly felt by the people."
"We are grateful that Johor’s economy is growing stronger and the state's revenue is increasing."
"However, ultimately the most important thing is to make sure that it can be felt by the people," he said, adding that it was also a good way for the public to get to know their local leaders.
KUCHING (Feb 9): The number of displaced individuals sheltered at temporary evacuation centres (PPS) in Selangau, Bintulu and Tatau districts has significantly declined, said the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).
In an update as at 12pm today, SDMC said the PPS at SJK (C) Tong Ah recorded 235 individuals compared to 237 at 8am earlier today.
“The Selangau Multipurpose Hall PPS recorded 46 evacuees this noon compared to 94 at 8am today,” it added.
In Bintulu, SDMC said more displaced individuals have been allowed to return to their respective homes from the PPS at Stadium Muhibbah and Dewan Suarah Bintulu.
“Stadium Muhibbah now has 402 displaced individuals compared to 407 earlier today; and at Dewan Suarah Bintulu there are currently 166 evacuees sheltered there, in comparision with 193 individuals as at 8am today.”
At SMK Tatau PPS, SDMC said almost 42 per cent of the evacuees have returned home, with 248 individuals remaining compared to 426 at 8am earlier today.
SDMC said as the flood situation improves throughout the state, three more PPS were closed yesterday evening: SMK Sebauh, SMK Bekenu and Kanowit Sports Complex.
“As such, the number of active centres throughout the state stood at 18 as at 12pm, sheltering 2, 426 individuals from 740 families.”