KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has placed all relevant agencies on heightened alert as it prepares for a possible second wave of flooding, even as weather conditions improve in several parts of the state.
Deputy Premier and SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said all agencies have been directed to remain vigilant and intensify monitoring of high-risk areas, particularly flood-prone low-lying locations.
He added although some evacuees have been allowed to return to their homes following receding water levels, the current situation still requires a high level of vigilance due to unpredictable weather conditions.
“This may be the first phase of flooding. We hope there will be no subsequent wave, but based on projections, this situation could potentially continue until around March. Therefore, all parties must remain prepared,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after inspecting the temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at SJKC Chung Hua Sungai Tengah, here today (Jan 3).
Uggah also stressed the importance of residents complying with evacuation orders issued by the authorities for safety reasons, noting that water levels can rise rapidly, especially when heavy rain coincides with high tide phenomena.
Meanwhile, he said all relevant agencies, including the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), local authorities and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), continue to carry out continuous monitoring in high-risk areas and along major rivers.
In addition to preparedness measures, Uggah said the Sarawak Government has ensured that the management of PPS statewide continues to comply with established standard operating procedures (SOPs), in line with its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and safety of flood victims.
He said PPS management is currently under control, with sufficient basic facilities provided, including mattresses, food, drinking water, hot water supplies and medical facilities to ensure the comfort of evacuees throughout the evacuation period.
“Although there were some issues during the early stages of opening the centre, all of them were promptly addressed through integrated coordination among the agencies involved,” he said.
He emphasised that the main objective of the state government is to ensure that PPS function as safe, clean and conducive shelters to minimise the hardships faced by flood victims.
Uggah also informed that, to date, a total of 12 PPS have been activated in Sarawak, involving 343 families with 1,347 victims, covering the areas of Kuching, Lawas and Kota Samarahan.
Earlier, he visited the PPS at Surau Ar-Rahman, Kampung Sungai Batu, which was opened on 1 January 2026, to personally observe the situation and welfare of 52 victims from 12 affected families.
He also inspected the PPS at Masjid Darul Istiqlaal, Kampung Sungai Maong, which is currently housing 128 flood victims from 26 families.
