SIBU: The Public Works Department (PWD) is studying the cause of the flooding that affected the Durin Bridge which is part of the Pan Borneo Highway, said Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The Infrastructure and Port Development Minister said that he had also instructed the PWD to propose a solution to prevent the issue from recurring.
“We apologise to the public for what has happened.
“I believe it was almost unpredictable, nobody expected it,” he said when met by reporters during a site visit at the Jakar junction in Sarikei today.
Meanwhile, on the flood, Uggah, who is also Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, said the committee is doing its best to assist flood victims.
“Those who need to be relocated, we will relocate, and the facilities at the temporary relief centres (PPS) follow our standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“We are working to minimise the difficulties faced by victims.
“This flood was unexpected, and the situation remains unpredictable,” he said.
He added that the SDMC secretariat had instructed divisional disaster management teams to prepare for the next two months.
“This month, we thought the monsoon season was over, but suddenly, there was heavy rain.
“Despite that, our teams were fully prepared and provided the best possible service.
“For those in remote areas, if anything happens, please contact the relevant district office.
“So far, no lives have been lost, which is good,” he stressed.
After visiting the site, Uggah, accompanied by Selangau Member of Parliament Edwin Banta, went to the PPS at Dewan Serbaguna Selangau, which is housing 116 victims from 32 families.
There he distributed food aid to affected families from Rumah Nyarapong, Rumah Magdeline, Rumah Awa and Rumah Ambrose.
