(Kuching, 17th) The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee continues to be on standby to handle severe weather in order to prevent major disasters, especially in the Bintulu area.
The Deputy Premier of Sarawak and the Chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, Datuk Amar Douglas, believes that the current weather remains unstable. It is expected that the northeastern monsoon (MTL) will not end until March, so the risk has not yet been eliminated.
"We pray that no more disasters will occur, but regardless of the situation, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee is prepared because we are still at risk of a prolonged rainy season until March."
He pointed out that the weather is currently difficult to predict, and safety must be maintained at all times.
"Sometimes we are caught by surprise, as in Bintulu's case, so we must replenish supplies and mobilize all disaster relief equipment to prepare for any emergencies beyond recovery plans to help those whose homes and roads are damaged by floods."
Douglas said this in a media interview after the closing ceremony of the 16th Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP) Convention yesterday.
He added that assistance of 1,000 ringgit will be provided to affected family households (KIR) through bank accounts.
On the other hand, he stated that a pilot project for a regular maintenance system has been launched in the Baram region by appointing local contractors to repair damaged roads.
However, research on this system still needs improvement for better maintenance, especially for bridges damaged by disasters.
"We found that the methods we are currently using need improvement, so we need to find better ways for maintenance. Currently, our focus is on bridge repairs, with 24 bridges on the list for classified assessments. We will address this issue as soon as possible to reduce the impact of the rainy season, which is indeed a severe challenge."