SABAK BERNAM, March 12 — The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department will take precautionary measures by focusing on areas plagued by storms and whirlwinds in the state, especially in Sekinchan.

Its director Wan Md Razali Wan Ismail said the matter will be among the motions they brought up at a coordination meeting with fire departments throughout the country on March 20 in Shah Alam.

“Currently we are taking precautionary measures in terms of assets and personnel strength for any mission.

“We are faced with uncertain weather that can be a challenge to us in terms of preparation,” he told reporters after breaking fast at the Sekinchan Fire and Rescue Station here yesterday.

He said that storm preparations would also be discussed at the state disaster management committee meeting this Thursday, which usually focused on preparation against hot weather and fires.

A relief centre was opened to shelter 3 people from three families after 30 residences in Taman Ria, Sekinchan near here were hit by a storm at about 4.50 pm.

On March 6, eight houses along Jalan Ban Lesen Parit 4 in Sekinchan were reported to be badly damaged by a storm that hit early that morning. — Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: Situasi banjir di Sabah semakin pulih dengan semua tiga pusat pemindahan sementara (PPS) di Sook ditutup dan daerah berkenaan pulih daripada banjir malam tadi.

Sekretariat Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bencana Negeri (JPBN) Sabah dalam kenyataan memaklumkan jumlah mangsa banjir berlindung di 21 PPS di Sabah turun mendadak kepada 3,114 orang daripada 1,061 keluarga pada 8 malam tadi berbanding 4,530 orang daripada 1,488 keluarga tengah hari semalam.

Mangsa banjir paling ramai direkodkan di Beaufort dengan 1,719 mangsa daripada 556 keluarga di tujuh PPS, diikuti Membakut (881 orang daripada 295 keluarga di lima PPS), dan Tenom (514 orang daripada 210 keluarga di sembilan PPS).

"Sebanyak 36 kampung masih terjejas akibat banjir iaitu 16 di Tenom, dan masing-masing 10 di Beaufort dan Membakut," menurut kenyataan itu. – BERNAMA

KUCHING (March 12): A total of 150 welfare aid recipients each received RM100 cash and a hamper from the Welfare Department (JKM) Sarawak at the ‘Sejambak Kasih Hari Raya Aidilfitri’ programme here yesterday.

When met by reporters at the event in Majma Mall here, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah highlighted the state government’s commitment of supporting the welfare of its people, particularly during the festive seasons.

“This year, a total of 4,465 welfare aid recipients in Kuching celebrating Hari Raya will receive an additional RM100, on top of their regular monthly aid.

“The department has also increased the monthly assistance for senior citizens from RM500 to RM600. Hopefully, this increase would help ease the burden of our senior citizens.

“If the state’s revenue continues to grow, we hope to provide even better support in the future,” she said.

The minister added that JKM Sarawak had already allocated over RM49 million in aid distribution within the first two months of this year, with senior citizens being the largest group of recipients.

“Sarawak is projected to become an ageing state by 2028, with senior citizens making up 15 per cent of the population. As such, the number of elderly welfare aid recipients is expected to rise.

“However, the government hopes to see an increase in household income so that fewer people will need financial assistance.”

At yesterday’s event, three individuals received their Kenyalang Gold Cards (KGC), and two others were presented with Persons with Special Needs (PwD) cards.

In addition, four families affected by the fire that struck Kampung Tabuan Lot on March 5 were given assistance by JKM.

“Whenever a disaster occurs, the Welfare Department responds immediately. The first form of aid provided is food assistance. Dry food supplies have already been distributed, along with sleeping essentials and kitchen equipment worth RM11,700.

“Other disaster relief assistance, including pocket money, daily clothing, school uniforms, and school supplies, amounts to RM18,400,” said Fatimah, adding that the Sarawak government had also increased its disaster relief allocation, doubling the daily meal allowance for disaster victims from RM25 to RM50.

Also present yesterday were Fatimah’s deputy ministers Datuk Rosey Yunus and Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, as well as ministry permanent secretary Datu Felicia Tan.

BEAUFORT: Residents here are facing difficulty as the town, the hub of their economic activities and daily life, has been hit by floods since March 7 and the roads are now only open to heavy vehicles while train services have been disrupted.

Beaufort town is located 97km south of Kota Kinabalu, with the nearest towns being Kuala Penyu (40km), Papar (54km) and Menumbok (63km).

However, the affected roads in surrounding areas, including Membakut, are making it difficult for residents to move around.

A visit by Bernama found residents struggling to obtain daily necessities as all shops are closed, with some premises submerged up to the level of the signboards.

Residents have been forced to use boats to reach some areas of the town due to the floodwaters.

Florance Jerome, a 44-year-old teacher, said she and staff from Sekolah Kebangsaan St John and the Parent-Teacher Association are working to gather food and supplies for those affected.

“The security guard at the school has also been without food since last Friday due to the floods, as have residents in the surrounding areas. We’ve been trying to get supplies, but it’s been quite difficult, especially trying to get past the floodwaters in the town,” she said.

Housewife Normah Sulaiman, 58, said the train service is a vital link between rural and remote areas, as well as to major cities such as Kota Kinabalu. With the service disrupted, residents are facing difficulty moving about, Bernama reported.

“Many rely on the train to go to Kota Kinabalu, whether for work or to visit relatives. It is the most affordable and safest option, especially for elderly people like me who are unable to drive long distances.”