Dr Rundi: Drastic flooding in Sebauh a disaster, all parties must focus on helping victims

BINTULU (Jan 13): The extraordinary flooding in Sebauh District is a reversal of weather events long associated with the area, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

The Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development said the drastic change warrants serious attention from all parties.

“Historically, the Bintulu area would usually experience flooding during high tides while the upstream areas were less affected,” he said after leading a field inspection with the District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) on Monday.

“However, this time it is the opposite. The upstream areas are experiencing severe flooding, while Bintulu town remains unaffected. This is a significant change that requires a higher level of preparedness from everyone.”

Dr Rundi, who is Kemena assemblyman, said visits to Sebauh, Pandan, and Sungai Gelam confirmed the severity of the situation in the interior.

During a visit to Rumah Dato Raymond Plen in Sungai Gelam, water levels were observed to be nearly entering residents’ homes, a rare occurrence for the area, while in other upstream locations, floodwaters had risen to more than two feet (0.6 metres).

Access roads to several longhouses have been completely cut off.

Dr Rundi said in Ensaie, rescue boats were unable to pass through certain areas due to extremely high water levels, which also dangerously raised electrical cables.

Electricity supply in some locations has been temporarily shut down for safety reasons, as floodwaters have already entered residential areas.

Dr Rundi said the DDMC is now identifying the need for additional evacuation centres should the temporary evacuation centres (PPS) at Sebauh community hall and SMK Sebauh reach full capacity.

He said for longhouses facing critical isolation, DDMC would channel aid by air.

He also reminded the public not to worsen the situation through social media speculation or placing blame during the emergency.

“This disaster is an act of God and should not be used as an opportunity to find fault. Instead, we must focus on helping the people who are facing hardship,” he stressed.

He also advised residents not to reconnect electricity supply on their own in flooded homes to avoid the risk of electrocution.

DDMC has also strengthened the role of village heads as key reference points for information dissemination and aid coordination with the district office to ensure more effective and well-coordinated assistance.