KUCHING (Dec 14): Preparations to deal with possible flooding following the heavy rain warning recently issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) are in place and pose no issue, said Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato Sri Nancy Shukri.

“Preparations are not an issue, God willing. It is not that we are being arrogant about this, but everything has already been instructed to be on standby,” she told reporters when met after officiating at the Program Ceria Kasih dan Sumbangan ‘Back to School’ Sesi Persekolahan 2026 organised by Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN) at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here on Sunday.

She said readiness was strengthened by the presence of welfare officers at the district level nationwide.

“We are present in every district. When we are present in every district, it makes it easier for us to provide assistance, God willing,” she said.

As of 4.30pm on Sunday, a total of eight temporary evacuation centres (PPS) remained active across five states, involving 93 families or 289 victims.

“These evacuation centres are opened for the safety and welfare of the victims. In terms of action by our department, the Social Welfare Department has implemented the opening of evacuation centres and self-registration of evacuees through the MyIBJKM system, which we launched not long ago, as well as the distribution of basic necessities. Relief supplies have been reported to be sufficient to meet the needs of victims at the evacuation centres.

“This is the information we have obtained so far. However, I will be updated with the latest information every morning at 8am,” she added.

Nancy was also asked about her recent visit to Turkmenistan, where she represented Malaysia at an international programme focusing on women’s empowerment.

“I was asked to share Malaysia’s women empowerment programmes with other countries,” she said, noting that participants showed strong interest in Malaysia’s achievements, including women making up more than 60 per cent of public university students and near-universal female participation at primary and secondary education levels.

She added that the visit also allowed Malaysia to observe how other countries organised national programmes and supported women through arts, culture, agriculture and economic self-sufficiency initiatives.