SELANGAU: Relief efforts for flood victims in Selangau continue with the distribution of food baskets at the Selangau District Office, aimed at easing the burden of residents affected by the recent floods.
The handover event on Wednesday was officiated by Selangau Member of Parliament, Edwin Banta, together with Tamin state assemblyman, Christopher Gira Sambang, and Mukah Police Chief, DSP Muhamad Rizal Alias.
In his remarks, Edwin noted the importance of preparedness among residents, particularly those living in flood-prone areas.
He advised the public to take proactive steps such as keeping important documents in safe and secure places to prevent losses during disasters.
“Residents must always be prepared, especially by ensuring that important documents are properly stored to avoid difficulties when disasters occur,” he said.
Edwin also expressed his appreciation to frontline personnel for their dedication and commitment in carrying out their duties throughout the disaster period, regardless of time and weather conditions.
He added that essential assistance and equipment had previously been channelled to temporary evacuation centres (PPS) in Tatau and Selangau last year.
Meanwhile, Gira noted the role of the private sector through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in supporting post-flood recovery, particularly in repairing damaged village roads and public infrastructure.
“Cooperation from the private sector is crucial, especially in repairing village roads damaged by floods so that the lives of residents can return to normal as soon as possible,” he added.
He also thanked PETROS for contributing food baskets to flood victims who were evacuated to PPS, and stressed the need for immediate action to repair roads and access routes that had collapsed due to flooding.
Gira further called for assistance to also be extended to residents who did not relocate to PPS but were severely affected by the floods, including those at Rumah Senabong along Sungai Kua, where flash floods caused property damage and loss of livestock.
Selangau District Officer, Yalin Asan, said a total of 1,023 heads of households were affected during the flood disaster from January 9 to 12, 2026.
He added that the District Disaster Management Committee had also received nine reports of landslides at several high-risk locations.
He then stated a PPS was opened from January 9 to 12 to accommodate victims from Rumah Janting, Rumah David and Rumah Jambai in Sungai Arip.
He also proposed the construction of hydrological stations in flood-prone areas as an early monitoring and warning system to help reduce the impact of future disasters.
The food basket distribution reflects the continued commitment of the government and multi-agency cooperation in safeguarding the welfare of the people, particularly in facing increasingly frequent natural disasters.
