MIRI (Feb 7): The Sarawak government remains committed to prioritising the needs of disaster victims, working closely with relevant agencies to ensure timely assistance and alleviate their hardships, said State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I, Datuk Sebastian Ting.

He also highlighted the overwhelming support from various community sectors, including generous individuals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and corporate entities.

“They donated food, essential supplies and daily necessities to the evacuation centre, bringing warmth and comfort to those affected,” he said.

Ting was speaking when met by reporters during a visit to the Malaysian Red Crescent Miri (MRCM) temporary evacuation centre (PPS) today, which is currently sheltering 105 landslide victims from 25 families.

During the visit, he assessed the living conditions of the victims and ensured that food supplies remained sufficient.

The Piasau assemblyman also expressed gratitude to all donors for their generosity and extended his appreciation to volunteers who have tirelessly dedicated their time and effort.

This collective cooperation is crucial in helping victims navigate these challenging times, he emphasised.

Meanwhile, Miri Mayor Adam Yii distributed 100 packets of rice, donated by Tong Seng Huat Rice Trading Sdn Bhd, to flood victims at Kampung Pujut Adong and Jalan Pujut 7, aiming to ease their burdens.

MIRI (Feb 7): Improvements to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for flood response in Subis District are necessary to address weaknesses and shortcomings, particularly in relief operations for flood victims, said Sibuti MP Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni.

The Federal Deputy Health Minister acknowledged receiving public complaints and criticisms, including from social media users, regarding the effectiveness of flood relief efforts in his constituency.

“I know that whatever efforts and actions have been taken during the floods are not enough for the community and the people of Subis.

“But the improvement of SOPs during floods needs to be carefully thought about,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Lukanisman revealed that as of Wednesday, the Subis Disaster Management Committee had recorded 5,143 households, comprising 24,071 individuals, affected by the floods.

He also expressed surprise at the severity of flooding in Bekenu, which he had not anticipated reaching such an extent.

Lukanisman further disclosed that telecommunications and electricity services had been disrupted in the flooded areas, including Bekenu town.

On the issue of aid distribution, he admitted that initial coordination was ineffective due to the simultaneous flooding in Miri and Subis, compounded by the fact that only two welfare officers were available to oversee relief efforts in Subis.

“When the PPS (temporary evacuation centres) were unprepared and the road was disconnected, the time to build a team, collect boats and buy food baskets became complicated,” he said.

Despite these difficulties, he expressed gratitude to the Subis Disaster Management Committee and all volunteers for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the safety and welfare of flood victims.

ALOR SETAR: Penduduk Kampung Padang, Sungai Kecil Hilir dekat Bandar Baharu diminta membuat laporan terus kepada Jabatan Alam Sekitar (JAS) sekiranya mengesan aktiviti letupan luar biasa dari kuari batu berhampiran penempatan mereka.

Pengarah JAS Kedah, Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab, berkata laporan segera itu penting bagi membantu pihaknya melakukan siasatan segera dan mendapatkan bukti seperti yang didakwa penduduk.

Katanya, perkara itu perlu diambil serius oleh masyarakat dengan membuat laporan kepada pihak yang tepat dan bukannya kepada pihak lain.

"Setakat ini kami tidak menerima aduan daripada penduduk. Orang ramai perlu membuat laporan secara rasmi kepada JAS untuk kami buat siasatan segera sejurus dapat laporan.

"Apabila lama, bukti pun sukar diperolehi, bongkah itu sudah diproses jadi batu kecil atau sudah dibawa keluar, jadi mustahak penduduk lapor terus kepada JAS, jika lapor pihak tidak berkaitan mereka tak boleh turun siasat," katanya ketika dihubungi di sini, hari ini.

Beliau berkata, selain JAS, penduduk turut boleh melaporkan kes seumpama itu kepada Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains (JMG) untuk siasatan.

Katanya, pihak JAS sendiri akan terus melakukan siasatan sekiranya menerima aduan.

"Saya sudah mengarahkan pegawai melakukan siasatan ke tempat kejadian walaupun tiada aduan penduduk kepada kami.

"Tapi seperti yang saya maklumkan, apabila lama, sukar kita untuk sahkan kejadian, saya harap penduduk lebih peka dan membuat aduan di saluran yang betul selepas ini," katanya.

Terdahulu, media melaporkan Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) menggesa Kerajaan Kedah dan pihak berkuasa berkaitan memberi perhatian serius terhadap letupan kuat luar biasa di Kampung Padang, Mukim Sungai Kecil Hilir, Daerah Bandar Baharu, yang dilaporkan pada Rabu lalu.

Letupan sekitar jam 2.15 petang itu dipercayai berpunca aktiviti pemecahan bongkah batu oleh pengusaha kuari yang beroperasi di kampung berkenaan sehingga mengejutkan sebahagian besar penduduk.

Presiden SAM, Meenakshi Raman, berkata kebanyakan penduduk yang tinggal di sekitar kawasan berdekatan mendakwa terkejut dengan letupan dan dentuman kuat itu hingga menggegarkan kawasan perumahan mereka.

Perkara itu turut dimaklumkan beberapa penduduk di luar kawasan Kampung Padang yang mendakwa terdengar letupan berkenaan pada jarak kira-kira satu hingga dua kilometer.

KUANTAN: Investigations at the site where a helicopter crashed on landing at Batu 9, Jalan Lama Bentong-Kuala Lumpur are expected to be completed today, according to police.

Bentong district police chief Supt Zaiham Mohd Kahar told Bernama today that the Transport Ministry’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is still conducting investigations at the scene, and the helicopter wreckage will be removed once the probe is completed.

Yesterday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia said AAIB would conduct further investigations under Part XXVI of the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016.

The accident involved a Bell 206L4 helicopter, which reportedly overturned and caught fire while landing to refuel.

“The autopsy at Bentong Hospital was completed at 3 pm today. I am still gathering relevant information,” he said.

A check at Bentong Hospital this afternoon found several individuals, believed to be representatives from the victim’s company, waiting to obtain the autopsy results.

Bernama’s checks at the crash site today found the helicopter wreckage still present, with several vehicles from the Royal Malaysia Police and the Transport Ministry at the scene.