OFFICIAL PORTAL
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
IPOH: Sabah and Sarawak will be allocated more than Rm24mil immediately to repair infrastructure that has been damaged by floods and other disasters, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the Federal Government would provide aid to states at any given time when disaster occurs.
“If we give RM1,000 to each family when floods hit Perak, I have asked Nadma (the National Disaster Management Agency) to provide the same amount to each affected family elsewhere.
“At the same time, we prepare millions of ringgit for states to carry out repair works. We approve all requests, irrespective state or season, but we do it because it is our responsibility,” he said at a kenduri rakyat event at Masjid Al-muttaqin in Taman Meru yesterday.
The past few days have seen several parts of Sabah and Sarawak inundated following heavy rainfall, leaving thousands having to flee their homes and seek temporary shelter.
At the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Chinese New Year open house earlier, the Prime Minister called on Malaysians to focus on shared national goals and reject racial and religious divisions.
Anwar said while there would always be groups wanting to be champions or heroes in their respective areas, the people must not allow issues raised by certain groups to distract them.
“This country must serve as an example of strong unity among all races.
“We must consider everyone’s interests, ensure progress for all, and grow the economy for the benefit of all,” he said.
Anwar said the focus should be on developing the country’s great potential, adding that there was no need to stir up unnecessary conflicts.
“There have been concerns raised about Malays celebrating Chinese New Year, Chinese celebrating Hari Raya, and people attending Thaipusam.
“These traditions have existed for decades without issues, but now, some try to make them problems. Should we entertain these distractions, or should we focus on our unity? That is the choice we must make,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the country cannot rely on getting investments only from certain countries, adding that while it is important to seek investments from the United States, it is equally important for Malaysia to improve relations with the European Union and maintain strong ties with China.
Anwar said some claimed that the government is “handing” everything over to China, to which he pointed out that the country is a major economic power in the region and good relations with them would benefit the people and economy.
“This is a colonial mentality. For us, it doesn’t matter who invests, whether it is China or any other country. We welcome investments and if they are beneficial, we strengthen ties. That is our policy.
“If another country has issues with China, that is their problem, not ours. In fact, during my meetings with President Xi Jinping, I was treated with great respect,” he added, referring to the Chinese leader.
Anwar said Malaysia is set to welcome several world leaders beginning next week, strengthening its diplomatic relations with countries worldwide.
He added that the leaders include Uzbekistan President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev and Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“We need more strategic partners at this time. We cannot rely on just one country,” he said.
OVER 10,000 DISPLACED BY FLOODS
- Admin UKK
- Berita
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed concern over floods in Sabah and Sarawak as torrential rain continued to lash both states yesterday, leaving more than 10,000 people displaced.
By 4pm, the number of people at 76 temporary relief centres across the two states stood at 10,750 from 3,211 families.
Anwar said: “I am deeply saddened to receive news of the worsening flood situation in Sabah and Sarawak.
“I extend my sympathies to the thousands of our fellow citizens affected by this disaster,” he posted on Facebook.
He said he had directed the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to boost coordination across all federal and state agency resources.
“Our top priority at this moment is the welfare of flood victims and the safety of residents in the affected areas.”
In Bagan Datuk, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is National Disaster Management Committee chairman, echoed Anwar’s concern.
He said the committee had ordered the mobilisation of assets to assist with evacuations and aid, including the construction of temporary bridges, in all floodaffected areas in Sarawak.
Zahid said checks showed that 13 main meteorological stations in Sarawak recorded over 20mm of daily rainfall, surpassing the average monthly rainfall.
He said coordination was being carried out with the armed forces and the Public Works Department to build the bridges within 72 hours.
He added that the federal and Sarawak governments were working closely and coordinating efforts to manage the flood situation in the state.
“In terms of asset preparedness, we are ready, including assets for immediate repairs, such as rebuilding collapsed bridges and implementing other urgent measures.
“The armed forces’ Engineering Corps and the Public Works Department will work to construct Bailey bridges after a detailed study on the terrain’s suitability is conducted.”
Sarawak remains the worst-hit state, with 6,821 evacuees from 1,846 families seeking shelter in 48 temporary relief centres across 12 affected districts.
Bintulu recorded the highest number of evacuees at 1,889, up from 1,260 this morning.
Sabah has recorded 3,929 victims from 1,365 families, with 28 temporary relief centres operating across 10 districts.
Kota Marudu has the highest number of evacuees at 2,355 Page 1 pic: The flood situation at RPR Bintulu and Kampung Kemunting.
KUALA LUMPUR: Bintulu member of parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has called for flood mitigation projects to be expedited after many parts of the district were inundated by floodwaters, leaving scores stranded.
In a Facebook post, Tiong, who is also tourism, arts and culture minister, said human factors could not be ruled out in the worsening flood situation.
“Issues such as flaws in Bintulu’s drainage system have prevented Sungai Sibiew from effectively discharging excess water, causing a rapid surge in river levels.
“The strong currents have further complicated rescue operations, increasing risks for both victims and responders,” said Tiong, who has been assisting with rescue efforts.
He said areas around Sungai Sibiew were worst affected due to the long-overdue deepening and widening of the riverbed.
“The Sungai Sibiew riverbed project has remained a mere proposal for nearly five years, with no actual progress.
“This flood should serve as a warning; relevant agencies must take responsibility.”
Tiong said he had repeatedly stressed that the riverbed must be deepened by at least three to five metres and widened to 100m to accommodate increasing rainfall.
He said Sungai Kemena, which leads to the sea, must also be deepened.
Tiong said he would raise the widening and deepening of both rivers at the next Resident’s Office meeting on Feb 10.
“I will also propose halting the bridge construction connecting Taman Jason and Taman Kemena Sutera to prevent disruptions to the riverbed work.”
He added that the relocation of residents living in illegal settlements along the riverbank must also be expedited.
Tiong said the floods had destroyed homes and caused immense financial losses and despair to many Bintulu families, including those celebrating Chinese New Year.
“The deepening and widening of these two rivers must start without further delay to mitigate the risk of flash floods.”
“Through close coordination with the Resident’s Office and relevant authorities — including the Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysia Civil Defence Force, military and police — rescue and relief efforts are being swiftly carried out in affected areas.”
He said additional personnel from fire stations in Sibu, Miri, Labuan and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, had been deployed to assist in disaster relief.
Pihak berkuasa harus meneliti kemungkinan faktor kesilapan manusia yang memburukkan lagi keadaan banjir di Bintulu.
Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, berkata banjir yang berlaku sejak kelmarin adalah yang terburuk pernah melanda bandar gas asli itu.
King Sing berkata, walaupun ada pihak mengaitkan bencana banjir itu sebagai punca semula jadi, beliau percaya ada faktor lain yang menyumbang berlaku bencana itu.
“Isu seperti kecacatan dalam sistem perparitan di Bintulu menghalang Sungai Sibiew daripada mengalirkan air berlebihan secara berkesan, menyebabkan lonjakan paras sungai dengan cepat,” katanya.
Beliau yang juga Ahli Parlimen Bintulu berkata demikian dalam kenyataan di laman Facebooknya, semalam.
King Sing berkata, kawasan yang paling teruk terjejas adalah sekitar Sungai Sibiew, yang sudah lama tidak diselenggara.
Banjir jadi amaran
Beliau berkata projek mendalamkan dasar Sungai Sibiew sudah dicadangkan sejak hampir lima tahun, namun ia tidak dilaksanakan hingga kini.
“Banjir terburuk ini sepatutnya menjadi amaran segera bahawa agensi berkaitan mesti bertanggungjawab.
“Saya berulang kali menegaskan bahawa sungai itu mesti mempunyai kedalaman sekurang-kurangnya tiga hingga lima meter dan melebar hingga 100 meter bagi menampung taburan hujan yang semakin meningkat akibat perubahan iklim,” katanya.
Selain Sungai Sibiew katanya, dasar Sungai Kemena yang menghubungkan terus ke laut juga perlu dikorek.
“Saya akan sekali lagi menekankan keperluan untuk mendalamkan dan melebarkan kedua-dua sungai itu semasa mesyuarat di Pejabat Residen Bahagian Bintulu pada 10 Februari nanti,” katanya.
Selain itu katanya, beliau akan mencadangkan untuk menghentikan pembinaan jambatan yang menghubungkan Taman Jason dan Taman Kemena Sutera bagi mengelakkan gangguan pada kerja-kerja dasar sungai.
Malah, beliau turut menggesa agar penempatan semula penduduk setinggan di sepanjang kedua-dua tebing sungai perlu disegerakan bagi memudahkan kerja mendalamkan dan meluaskan sungai itu.
Kapit: Jalan Song/sipan-temalat ditutup kepada semua kenderaan berikutan tanah runtuh yang memutuskan hubungan jalan raya dari Kanowit ke Song semalam.
Menteri Kerja Raya, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, berkata berdasarkan maklumat daripada Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Kapit, penutupan sementara dibuat bagi membolehkan pihak terbabit membuat lencongan untuk membuka laluan kepada kenderaan ringan.
“Kejadian berlaku berikutan hujan lebat berterusan sejak semalam (kelmarin),” katanya dalam kenyataan semalam.
Beliau berkata, kenderaan berat tidak dibenarkan melalui jalan itu memandangkan keadaan struktur tanah yang tidak stabil dan tidak selamat.
Nanta berkata, Residen Bahagian Kapit, Elvis Didit bersama Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri Katibas, Lidam Asan dan Pegawai Daerah Song, Harry Bruce, sudah turun padang bagi memeriksa jalan yang runtuh.
Selain itu, Nanta memaklumkan terdapat beberapa lagi kejadian tanah runtuh di daerah Kapit dan Belaga.
Katanya, kawasan terjejas antaranya simpang masuk ke Menara Pemancar TV & Radio dan Lorong 1, Taman Bian Hua, Daerah Kapit; Kilometer 34, Jalan Menjawah Belaga; dan Jalan Bakun - Belaga iaitu antara Uma Badeng Dangan/ Bakun, daerah Belaga.
Beliau berkata, Elvis mengarahkan Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Daerah Kapit untuk memantau secara dekat keadaan di seluruh daerah itu bagi menghadapi sebarang kemungkinan berikutan cuaca buruk ketika ini.
Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Daerah Belaga juga sudah mengambil tindakan dengan membersihkan laluan terjejas bagi membolehkan pengguna jalan raya melalui kawasan berkenaan.
“JKR turut memasang papan tanda yang bersesuaian di lokasi kejadian," katanya sambil menambah penduduk dan pengguna jalan raya dinasihatkan agar mengambil langkah berjaga-jaga serta mematuhi arahan pihak berkuasa.