BINTULU (Jan 27): About 8,000 residents in Penyarai, Kakus, Nanga Tau, Muput, and Ulu Anap are currently affected by flooding, said Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai.

Speaking during his visit to Rumah Steven Jeli temporary evacuation centre (PPS) yesterday, Sikie, who is Kakus assemblyman, said that the access roads to these isolated areas have been cut off.

To ensure residents receive necessary supplies, he said the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Air Unit helicopters will deliver food today, covering around 100 settlements.

He added the food supply delivery operation, which began on Jan 25, is coordinated by the Tatau District Disaster Management Committee (JKPD).

This operation is carried out in collaboration with agencies such as the Welfare Department, Civil Defence Force, and Tatau/Sebauh District Education Office.

“To date, 572 packets of food supplies have been delivered to the affected areas.

“For those still awaiting assistance, patience is requested as logistical challenges are being addressed.

“Food supplies that cannot be delivered by road or river will be airlifted by Bomba, weather permitting,” he said.

In the meantime, Sikie  also hoped that each longhouse designated as a PPS will have a hall constructed for the comfort of relocated residents.

He said this proposal will be submitted to the State Disaster Management Committee for consideration.

Regarding frequently flooded schools such as SK Muput, SK Kuala Muput, SK Rumah Keseng, SK Rumah Tayai, SK Nanga Penyarai, and SK Nanga Tau, Sikie urged the Education Department and the Ministry of Education, both state and federal, to consider relocating these schools to higher, flood-free locations.

He also suggested that school Parents Teacher Associations propose suitable locations for new school buildings.

“The state and federal governments’ attention to this matter is crucial, as frequent flooding disrupts students’ learning and causes property damage. Relocating schools to suitable areas is essential,” he said.

For the record, the PPS at Rumah Steven Jeli was officially opened by Tatau District officer Calvin Ligong at 9pm on Jan 23, following the unsafe conditions at SK Kuala Muput.

As of today, 34 people from 13 families from SK Kuala Muput remain at the PPS.

Heavy rain on Jan 22 and 23 caused flooding in several areas, including Penyarai, Ulu Anap, Kakus, Muput, and Nanga Tau.

Several schools in Tatau, including SK Kuala Muput, SK Nanga Penyarai, SK Rumah Tayai, and SK Rumah Keseng, were also affected.

Earlier, Calvin, who is also Tatau District Disaster Management Committee chairman expressed gratitude to all government agencies involved for their cooperation in managing the flood situation in Tatau.