KUCHING: Sarawak is fully prepared to face the Northeast Monsoon season expected from Nov this year until Mar 2026, with 7,407 personnel mobilised from various agencies.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the team comprises members from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Sarawak Health Department, Welfare Department, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), as well as the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS).
On resources, Uggah said a total of 3,637 land assets, 8,619 water assets including boats, and 14 air assets such as helicopters and drones have been readied.
“In terms of volunteers, we have 22,428 people. So, all the groups are ready. The Community Emergency Response Team has also been tasked to be prepared,” he told a press conference after chairing the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) meeting at a hotel here today.
Uggah, who is also SDMC chairman, explained that the response team, made up of local government agencies, has been trained to act swiftly during disasters in villages and longhouses to safeguard lives and property.
He stressed that regular training is essential, especially for remote communities where it takes time for manpower to arrive. To strengthen preparedness, UKPS has also been scaled up to lead ground operations.
“They (UKPS) are deploying their Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) to support grassroots efforts. This is crucial because we must provide the best service to victims,” he said.
Citing lessons from the major flood in Bintulu earlier this year, Uggah reminded all agencies to learn from past incidents and prioritise assistance for victims.
He revealed that 658 temporary relocation centres have been identified and instructed Resident Offices to ensure they are ready for use.
“If there is any damage, it must be repaired so that the centres are functional when needed. The Welfare Department (JKM) is also prepared to provide aid, particularly packaged food.
“We have one depot in Kota Samarahan and 28 storage facilities stocked with food and other essentials for flood-hit areas outside the cities,” he said.
He added that the Public Works Department (PWD), Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) and local councils have been directed to take preventive measures.
“We hope they conduct assessments and act early because anything can happen. It is always better to be prepared,” he said, citing the landslide incident in Miri earlier this year.
The State Education Department has also been instructed to safeguard schools.
“If floods occur, they must ensure that equipment such as computers and other hardware are properly secured to prevent damage,” Uggah said.
