Flood response goes beyond on-ground presence, says Jepak rep

BINTULU (Jan 14): Disaster situations require elected representatives to respond according to their respective roles and immediate needs on the ground, said Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee.

Iskandar said responses may vary ― whether by physical presence in the affected areas or by ensuring administrative matters, inter-agency coordination and government support systems continue to function effectively.

Commenting on the ongoing floods in Sebauh, he said State Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister and Kemena assemblyman Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom had gone to the ground to personally assess conditions and identify the needs of affected residents to ensure assistance could be delivered more effectively.

“These efforts are carried out in close cooperation with the Bintulu Divisional Disaster Management Committee and relevant agencies to ensure flood aid is coordinated in a comprehensive, orderly and effective manner, including in border and outlying areas,” he said.

Iskandar stressed that while approaches and methods may differ, the shared objective remains the same ― safeguarding the welfare of the people.

He added that not all forms of assistance need to be publicised, as much of the work involves continuous coordination, administrative support and field operations that take place without media coverage.

“What is important is that all assemblymen are doing their best according to their respective roles under the current circumstances,” he said.

Iskandar also expressed hope that the flood situation would gradually subside, calling on the public to remain patient and trust that efforts are being undertaken for the common good.

Dr Rundi’s name has been repeatedly mentioned on social media platforms by netizens and flood victims in Sebauh, one of the areas worst affected since the onset of the disaster.

Various posts and comment sections have been filled with questions and expressions of dissatisfaction from residents seeking updates on relief distribution and evacuation efforts.

The situation escalated to the point where memes were circulated online suggesting that an assemblyman had gone ‘missing’ during the flood emergency.

Affected residents said they had turned to social media out of desperation as floodwaters inundated their homes and access routes, hoping to obtain information or assistance regarding food supplies, evacuation to relief centres and aid coordination.

Some expressed disappointment, alleging that their elected representative was not visibly present on the ground during the critical period.

Sebauh has been among the hardest-hit areas, with several villages and longhouses experiencing prolonged flooding, forcing families to remain stranded or seek temporary shelter.

The Bintulu Divisional Disaster Management Committee (BDDMC) has mobilised all available assets through an inter-agency operation to distribute food packs and daily necessities to flood-affected longhouses and villages whose access roads have been cut off.

Efforts are being intensified to ensure aid reaches isolated communities, particularly in the Sebauh.

In a Facebook post, Dr Rundi said the distribution of basic necessities to remote locations involving 19 longhouses in Sebauh would continue via air operations due to difficult ground access caused by the floods.