SIBU: The distribution of initial flood relief aid is at the discretion of the Sarawak Disaster Management Commi ee (SDMC) Secretariat, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said priority will be given to affected families forced to relocate to temporary flood evacuation centres (PPS).

“As we know, many have lost their homes and so on. The allocation given is to help flood victims who relocated to the PPS.

“I have allocated RM10 million to SDMC, and as I said before, if the amount is insufficient, we are ready to increase the amount if there is a need to do so,” he said when met during his Chinese New Year visits here yesterday.

“For example, longhouses that were affected by the flood but whose residents did not relocate, that ma er (flood relief aid) is handled by the administration at the divisional level and it will be decided by the chairman of the SDMC.”

On a separate ma er, Abang Johari said the state government will conduct a review of newly constructed roads in Sibu, including Jalan Kong Yit Khim Sibu Jaya.

He noted that the opening of the new Jalan Kong Yit KhimSibu Jaya had caused congestion along Jalan Salim.

Among those the Premier visited yesterday were Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, and Sibu Municipal Council councillor Raymond Tiong.

Abang Johari was accompanied by wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, and others.

The delegation arrived at Wong’s residence around 2.30pm and was greeted by a dragon and lion dance performance.

Among the notable guests present was Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.