‘JKKK backbone of community safety, disaster emergency response’

MIRI (Jan 13): The Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) serves as the frontline of community leadership and plays a vital role in safeguarding the safety and well-being of residents, particularly during emergencies and natural disasters, said Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

The state Transport Minister said the role of the JKKK has become increasingly crucial amid global climate change, which has led to more frequent incidents of unusually heavy rainfall and flash floods.

He said the JKKK not only acts as a swift link between residents and the authorities, but also functions as a facilitator in emergency management and a strategic partner to the Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC).

“In disaster situations such as the floods that recently affected several areas in Miri, the JKKK were among the earliest to be on the ground, identifying affected families, relaying information to the relevant agencies and helping to calm residents,” he said during the JKKK Kampung Senadin Jaya Appreciation Night 2025 and the presentation of JKKK certificates for the 2024–2025 session at a hotel here on Sunday night.

Lee’s text speech was read by his representative, Temenggong Abang Mohamed Dato’ Sri Abang Othman.

On flood mitigation efforts, Lee said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Miri Division is currently implementing three major flood mitigation projects following proposals he had submitted.

These include the Miri River Flood Mitigation Plan for the Miri River Basin, which has reached 71.53 per cent completion, and the Miri Flood Mitigation Plan Phase 2, which will be called for tender to reduce flood risks in several areas, including Kampung Sungai Dalam, Kampung Lambir, Kampung Lusut, Taman Tunku and Taman Lopeng Baru.

He added that the Lutong B River Flood Mitigation Plan, which is also expected be tender, will help reduce flooding in areas such as SK Lutong, Kampung Sealine, Kampung Senadin Jaya, MCOT and Desa Senadin.

“The state government takes public safety seriously, and effective disaster management requires close cooperation among government agencies, local authorities, the JKKK and the local community.

“Success at the grassroots level largely depends on capable, disciplined and caring community leadership. This is where the JKKK plays a decisive role,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lee described the appreciation night as a well-deserved recognition of the dedication and commitment shown by the chairman and members of the JKKK of Kampung Senadin Jaya.

“The certificates presented are not merely tokens of appreciation, but a trust and responsibility to continue serving in the best interests of the people,” he said, while expressing his appreciation to all community leaders who serve selflessly regardless of time and circumstances.

He also expressed hope that the JKKK would continue to serve as the backbone of community safety, an agent of unity and an important partner of the government in ensuring the continued well-being of the people.