(Miri, 3rd) Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin emphasized that the safety of residents affected by floods is of utmost priority, and the Sarawak government will fully assist the affected residents in relocating to ensure their lives remain unaffected.
He mentioned that the Miri Division Disaster Management Committee (JPBB Miri) is currently reviewing the reports from the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG) to identify high-risk areas and take necessary disaster mitigation measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
At a special press conference at the Miri Division Office today, he said the main focus of the meeting was the relocation plans for residents affected by landslides in Kampung Lereng Bukit and Kampung Haji Wahed. He also handed over RM 300,000 donated by two private institutions to the Miri Division Disaster Management Committee. This fund will be used for the emergency needs of the victims and the recovery work in the disaster-stricken areas.
He pointed out that in Kampung Lereng Bukit, nine households are unable to return home due to floods. The area has been designated as a red high-risk zone and is no longer suitable for habitation.
Representatives of various units posed for a photo after discussing the resettlement plans for Kampung Lereng Bukit and Kampung Haji Wahed with the Miri Division Disaster Management Committee at the press conference. Fourth from left is Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
Lee Kim Shin revealed that he has been in discussions with developers who are willing to build temporary housing through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs to ensure that the affected residents have shelter until they are relocated to government-designated locations.
Additionally, related units will commence post-disaster recovery work, particularly focusing on repairing basic infrastructure that was damaged by the floods.
He stated that some roads were damaged due to floods or blocked drainage systems, and units will carry out cleaning work according to areas. Appropriate dates will be arranged to initiate actions to restore the community environment to normal.
Lee Kim Shin revealed that as of 12 noon today, there are 382 families and 1,513 flood victims in Miri Division accommodated in various temporary evacuation centers. These include 721 males and 792 females, encompassing adults, children, infants, disabled persons, and the elderly.
Currently, multiple kampungs in the Miri area are affected by landslides and floods, with victims housed in 8 temporary evacuation centers, including the Miri Red Crescent Society (PBSM Hall), Athlete’s Village, Tudan Phase 2, Pujut Tanjong Batu, SK Agama Miri, Kampung Pujut Adong, Tudan Phase 4, and SMK Merbau. Among them, Athlete’s Village hosts the most victims, with 52 families and 166 people.
In addition, Subis has 4 temporary evacuation centers, accommodating 167 families and 748 victims; Beluru has 1 temporary evacuation center, housing 33 families and 108 victims.
Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin (center) stated that developers provide temporary housing to ensure disaster victims have accommodation.
Lee Kim Shin stated that the Sarawak government will closely cooperate with all sectors of society to ensure that the affected residents receive the needed assistance and develop long-term relocation plans to allow the victims’ lives to return to normal as soon as possible.
He also revealed that he inspected each temporary evacuation center, and they are currently operating well, with adequate food, drinking water, and medical resources.
Furthermore, the government will assist affected residents in handling furniture and household items damaged by floods, ensuring that the living environment of victims is restored to cleanliness as soon as possible.
He stated that this cleaning work is crucial, not only to ensure the safety of the disaster area but also to reduce health issues caused by landslide debris and garbage accumulation.
He said they would continue to monitor the development of the disaster, working closely with all units to ensure the victims' lives return to normal.