(Kuching, Jan 30) Regarding the landslide incident in Miri that resulted in 5 deaths, Sarawak Deputy Premier and Disaster Management Committee Chairman, Datuk Amar Douglas, pointed out that the Sarawak government will study the necessity of relocating residents living at the foot of the mountains to reduce the risk of casualties in future landslide incidents.
He stated that it is necessary to conduct this study because landslide cases are increasing, affecting residents living at the foot of the mountains.
“We will discuss this matter with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari.”
Datuk Amar Douglas, during an interview after inspecting the Sekama Chinese School temporary evacuation center, mentioned that currently, local councils in each area must conduct preliminary studies on houses that might experience landslides and discuss this matter in more detail to find a long-term solution.
He suggested that if residents feel their living area is no longer safe, they should relocate immediately.
He disclosed that the Sarawak government will provide RM10,000 assistance to the families of the victims of the landslide tragedy that occurred yesterday in Kampung Lereng Bukit, Miri.
Datuk Amar Douglas pointed out that providing assistance is an effort by the Sarawak government to help ease the burden on the victims' families.
“We extend our condolences to the families of the 5 victims of yesterday's Miri landslide. For the victims, we will provide RM10,000 compensation to each victim's family.”
Meanwhile, Sarawak Minister of Women, Children, and Community Wellbeing, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, stated that the department will arrange counseling sessions for the victims' families.
“We know this is a tragedy for the victims' families and a difficult time, so we will provide counseling services for them with the assistance of the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM).”