KUCHING: The Sarawak Cabinet will soon decide whether flood victims who refuse to evacuate are still entitled to receive the ‘Wang Ihsan’ financial aid from the government.
Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) Chairman, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, said this includes those who remain in inaccessible longhouses but continue to receive food assistance.
The Deputy Premier noted that during the most recent flood incident, about 21,000 victims were identified across the state.
“They may have their reasons, but we need to decide and establish the criteria.
“For instance, if a longhouse is inaccessible due to flooding and the victims are given food rations, are they still entitled to receive financial aid?” he said.
He said this after chairing the SDMC meeting on Thursday.
Separately, Uggah urged all divisional and district disaster management committees to remain on high alert during the ongoing Southwest Monsoon season.
He said dry and hot weather is expected by the second week of June, which may raise the risk of bushfires, particularly in Kuala Baram, northern Sarawak.
“The Natural Resources Management Committee, Miri Municipal Council, and other relevant departments and agencies must be on the highest alert for possible bush fires in the Kuala Baram area.
“Make full use of the lookout towers, and please ensure all tube wells are operational.
“The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) should deploy their drones whenever smoke is detected in the area,” he said.
Uggah also reminded landowners not to conduct open burning, warning that enforcement action would be taken against those found doing so.
“In a nutshell, all must act fast and effectively to minimise the impact and damage caused by any bush fire,” he added.
