KUCHING: No Sarawakians have been affected by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg confirmed today (Mar 31).
“As of now, I have been made to understand that no Sarawakians are affected,” he said when met during his Hari Raya open house at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
He said the Malaysian embassy would have records of any Malaysians, including Sarawakians, impacted by the disaster.
“If there are any, we will contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate their return,” he said.
Abang Johari admitted he was surprised by the earthquake, noting that Myanmar and Thailand lie outside the Pacific Ring of Fire, suggesting possible land disturbances or geological factors at play.
He expressed hope that scientists would study the phenomenon to provide better understanding.
“There is a possible connection between climate change and increasing environmental uncertainties.
“This is why Sarawak’s environmental sustainability policies are crucial in mitigating and managing the impact of climate change,” he said.
He also highlighted that meteorological data already predicts worsening floods, reinforcing the urgency of addressing climate-related issues.
“We never expected Myanmar to experience an earthquake, just as we face severe flooding here. This shows how serious the environmental problem has become.
“No matter what measures we take to solve flooding, we must consider the larger climate factors at play,” he said.
