KUCHING: Sarawak is bolstering its readiness for potential flood situations by ensuring that assistance and supplies can reach affected communities quickly.
Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, said the state is always prepared, particularly through the use of Forward Bases (Pangkalan Hadapan), which are small depots set up in certain areas to ensure supplies are readily available.
“We make sure these locations are always ready and can be replenished whenever necessary.
“As we have said before, we already have the Yayasan Kebajikan Malaysia (YKM) online registration system to make it easier for those who wish to register for assistance.
“However, if there is no internet access, the district office will always step in to help. This has become our usual practice, especially in flood-affected areas.
“We are always on standby,”she told reporters during the ‘Mindness Tour PSSS Kasih Counselling Programme and Food Basket Handover’ event held at the Dewan Serbaguna Kampung Selabat in Demak Laut on today (Feb 21).
Across the country, a total of 4,785 officers and staff have been assigned to emergency operations, supported by 155 counsellors or counselling officers.
“Counsellors are stationed at every temporary evacuation centre (PPS) to provide psychological support and organise activities for evacuees.
“We need to remain vigilant because in Sarawak, as we are experiencing now, it rains every day. In Kuching alone, it has been raining day and night.
“That becomes our responsibility. We come together with JKM to ensure that in areas potentially affected by floods, we are fully prepared to provide assistance,” she said.
