KUCHING: A total of 9,058 temporary evacuation centres (PPS) with capacity for 2,189,026 people have been registered nationwide to show strong preparedness for the Northeast Monsoon season.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the PPS are now equipped with essential facilities through the cooperation of multiple agencies, including the Health Ministry (MOH).
“We do not only provide shelter for disaster victims but also offer facilities such as special areas for nursing mothers, counselling services, and guidance and recreational activities for children.
“We must also be alert to safety issues at PPS, including the risk of harassment or sexual misconduct.
“Therefore, strict control and monitoring must be implemented to protect women and children,” she stressed.
She said this when officiating the PPS Management Training and Simulation Programme held at the Wisma Kebajikan Multipurpose Hall, Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM), here today.
Commenting on the state’s preparedness, Nancy said 91 PPS were activated throughout the 2024/2025 Northeast Monsoon season, to accommodate nearly 15,740 victims across Sarawak.
“The floods began on December 18, 2024, in Kuching Division and ended in Sibu and Kapit on March 24, 2025.
“From January to September this year, more than 2,900 disaster cases were recorded in Sarawak, with nearly RM30 million in assistance distributed to 321,480 victims from 81,795 families.
“The aid covered basic necessities, food supplies, construction materials, and clean water support during the drought season,” she said.
These figures, she added, demonstrate the importance of strengthening inter-agency preparedness, while community and village heads (KMKK) play a crucial role at the grassroots level to ensure aid reaches victims promptly.
She said that the Early Registration Campaign for Disaster Victim Information through the JKM InfoBencana System is a forward-looking step to expedite financial aid distribution.
“With complete and verified data, assistance can now be channelled within five minutes, compared to 30 minutes previously.
“I urge Sarawakians, especially those in flood-prone areas, to register early through the MyIBJKM application,” she added.
She also said that PPS management training and simulation exercises are routine preparedness investments for the future.
“These exercises aim to enhance the efficiency and readiness of both the community and involved agencies.
“I believe the more we practise during peaceful times, the calmer we act in times of crisis, because preparedness is not just a slogan but a culture that must be instilled in every citizen,” she emphasised.
Nancy also highlighted that the community empowerment approach is implemented to ensure smooth PPS operations.
“In situations where JKM officers are insufficient, local communities, including KMKK, teachers and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), play a major role in managing PPS alongside JKM.
“This is the spirit of gotong-royong that strengthens Sarawak. When we unite, act swiftly and share accurate information, we not only save lives but also build a stronger, more resilient community,” she said.
