BINTULU, Feb 6 — Just as Bintulu was nearing recovery from its worst flooding in 30 years, several areas were inundated again late this evening following continuous heavy rain.

Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Tiong Ling Hii confirmed that the affected areas are Kidurong Avenue, Taman Bilangan, Sungai Plan, and Jambatan Sebatang.

He also shared real-time images and videos via WhatsApp with the media. When asked if a second wave of flooding had begun, he responded briefly: “Yes”.

In a separate incident, a man was reported missing after his boat capsized in Sungai Anap, Tatau, late this evening. His wife survived the accident, which occurred near the Sangan area, based on reports circulated on social media.

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department’s Operations Centre confirmed receiving a distress call at 6.20 pm.

However, the search and rescue operation for the missing victim, identified as Apai Kanun from Rumah Antau Sait, Sungai Anap, Tatau, will only commence tomorrow due to impassable roads and poor visibility. — Bernama

KUCHING (Feb 6): The number of flood evacuees at active temporary evacuation centres (PPS) in Sarawak stands at 5,384 as of 8am today, with slight increases recorded in Sibu and Mukah divisions.

According to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), the number of flood evacuees in Sibu Division increased from 1,141 at midnight to 1,142 at 8am, while in Mukah Division, the figure rose from 526 to 528 within the same period.

The increase was noted at PPS SK Bukit Arip, which shelters evacuees from Rumah Panjang Janting, Rumah Panjang Jambai, Rumah Panjang David, and Klinik Kesihatan Sungai Arip, where the number of evacuees grew from 132 at midnight to 134 at 8am.

Bintulu Division continues to hold the highest number of evacuees at 8am, with 1,864, followed by Miri Division with 1,184.

Currently, there are 33 active PPS for flood victims in Sarawak, while 52 others have been closed.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Social Welfare Department (JKM) consistently ensures sufficient food supplies are available for flood victims taking shelter at temporary relief centres (PPS) in Sabah and Sarawak.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said JKM has stocked these supplies at two disaster relief depots, one state warehouse, 33 district warehouses, eight mini depots, and 32 forward bases.

“To ensure the well-being and comfort of flood victims, JKM has activated 332 PPS in Sabah and 657 in Sarawak, with the capacity to house 331,343 victims across both states,” she said during a special chamber session yesterday.

Earlier, the motion on flood and landslide disasters in Sarawak and Sabah was raised by Chiew Choon Man (PH-Miri) after the

question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, and was subsequently referred by Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor for discussion in the Special Chamber.

Nancy added that the district and state disaster management committees have been instructed to ensure supplies reach the affected locations and that the involved PPS are adequately equipped with essential facilities.

“The total strength of personnel amounts to 14,209 in Sabah and 24,757 in Sarawak, with various assets including lorries, fourwheel drive vehicles, amphibious boats, and ambulances placed in strategic locations across all districts,” she said.

In addition, she said the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) has requested the division disaster management committees to streamline and expedite the registration process for flood victims in affected areas to prevent delays in the distribution of ‘wang ehsan’ (compassionate aid).

“Even though flooding is ongoing, district-level government agencies are actively working to identify household heads affected, and all eligible recipients will soon receive disaster aid from the federal government through the respective state governments,” she said.

KUALA LUMPUR: Continuous heavy rain at the severe level is expected to occur in Sandakan and its surrounding areas in Sabah today, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

MetMalaysia also issued a “yellow” warning for continuous rainfall in several areas of Sarawak, including Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, and Mukah.

In Sabah, a “yellow” warning for continuous rainfall also affects the West Coast Division (Ranau and Kota Belud), Kinabatangan, and Kudat.

The public can obtain the latest weather updates through MetMalaysia’s official website, the myCuaca mobile app, and the department’s official social media channels.

They can also contact the MetMalaysia hotline at 1-300-22-1638 for further inquiries.

Meanwhile, the number of flood evacuees in Sarawak has decreased to 9,039 people placed in 40 temporary relief centres across six divisions as of yesterday morning, compared with 9,314 on Monday night.

The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee Secretariat reported that from the total, 4,492 evacuees are sheltering in nine centres in Bintulu, down from 4,727, while 1,525 remain in four centres in Serian.

Miri recorded 1,406 evacuees, down from 1,464 in 12 centres, while Sibu saw 828, down from 839 in five centres.

In Samarahan, the number of evacuees remains at 523 sheltering in four centres, while in Mukah, the number of evacuees slightly increased to 265 in three centres, compared with 236 people.

The number of evacuees in Sabah has slightly increased to 102 from 27 families yesterday morning. – Bernama