(Miri, 3rd) Miri Member of Parliament Chiew Choon Man today officially submitted an urgent motion to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tan Sri Dato’ Johari, requesting Parliament to immediately discuss the recent flood and landslide disasters in Sarawak and Sabah in accordance with Rule 18(1) of the Standing Orders of the House.
In a statement, Chiew Choon Man pointed out that since January 28, a total of 16 districts in Sarawak and 9 districts in Sabah have experienced floods and landslides, causing severe property damage and irreparable loss of life. The landslides in Miri and several mountainous areas not only led to the loss of lives but also destroyed homes, seriously threatening the safety of local residents.
"This is an urgent and severe issue as the disaster is still ongoing. As of 6:00 am on February 1st, data from the Civil Defense Force (APM) shows that 17,637 victims have been evacuated, with over 5,399 families accommodated in 98 temporary evacuation centers (PPS). Additionally, 15 people have unfortunately lost their lives."
He emphasized the urgent need for emergency assistance in the disaster areas, including food supplies, basic necessities, repair of critical infrastructure, and comprehensive cooperation of multiple government departments to prevent further worsening of the disaster due to continued rain or sea water intrusion. Furthermore, relevant ministries must promptly explain short-term and long-term post-disaster recovery plans to ensure that victims can be properly resettled as soon as possible.
"This disaster has not only destroyed people's property and economic stability but also taken precious lives. Currently, thousands of families are still affected, with the water level in many disaster areas yet to recede, and some mountain slopes remain unstable, posing potential safety hazards. Therefore, the government has a responsibility to take decisive action, not only to provide timely rescue but also to formulate long-term disaster prevention measures to prevent similar tragedies from recurring."
Chiew Choon Man urges Parliament to approve his urgent motion to ensure that the rescue and reconstruction efforts in the disaster areas of Sarawak and Sabah receive sufficient attention and resource support.
In a statement, Chiew Choon Man pointed out that since January 28, a total of 16 districts in Sarawak and 9 districts in Sabah have experienced floods and landslides, causing severe property damage and irreparable loss of life. The landslides in Miri and several mountainous areas not only led to the loss of lives but also destroyed homes, seriously threatening the safety of local residents.
"This is an urgent and severe issue as the disaster is still ongoing. As of 6:00 am on February 1st, data from the Civil Defense Force (APM) shows that 17,637 victims have been evacuated, with over 5,399 families accommodated in 98 temporary evacuation centers (PPS). Additionally, 15 people have unfortunately lost their lives."
He emphasized the urgent need for emergency assistance in the disaster areas, including food supplies, basic necessities, repair of critical infrastructure, and comprehensive cooperation of multiple government departments to prevent further worsening of the disaster due to continued rain or sea water intrusion. Furthermore, relevant ministries must promptly explain short-term and long-term post-disaster recovery plans to ensure that victims can be properly resettled as soon as possible.
"This disaster has not only destroyed people's property and economic stability but also taken precious lives. Currently, thousands of families are still affected, with the water level in many disaster areas yet to recede, and some mountain slopes remain unstable, posing potential safety hazards. Therefore, the government has a responsibility to take decisive action, not only to provide timely rescue but also to formulate long-term disaster prevention measures to prevent similar tragedies from recurring."
Chiew Choon Man urges Parliament to approve his urgent motion to ensure that the rescue and reconstruction efforts in the disaster areas of Sarawak and Sabah receive sufficient attention and resource support.