Leave it to the professionals, Fatimah says after methane detected in Oya

DALAT (Jan 31): Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah has urged the public to rely on official findings from qualified experts regarding concerns over underground conditions, cautioning against speculation that could cause unnecessary anxiety.

The State Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development said assessments related to underground safety must be left to professionals with the necessary expertise and equipment.

“Only those with the relevant expertise, particularly in geology, can determine what is actually happening below ground.

“The public should wait for official findings,” she said after closing the Muslim Welfare Organisation Malaysia (Perkim) Dalat/Oya Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM) here.

Fatimah expressed hope that once expert evaluations are completed, development activities and business operations would be able to continue smoothly.

“We want development to proceed as planned so that livelihoods, especially for traders and operators, can return to normal,” she said.

Her remarks come after the detection of high‑risk levels of flammable methane gas at the Kaul Festival site in Oya on Jan 23, where preliminary readings showed potentially dangerous concentrations, prompting technical agency investigations and monitoring by emergency responders.

Earlier in her address at the AGM, Fatimah commended Perkim Dalat/Oya for its organised management and orderly meeting proceedings.

“The AGM was conducted according to proper procedures, with reports and agenda items presented clearly, ensuring that the meeting ran smoothly,” she said.

She congratulated the branch on its strong grassroots support, particularly from the Melanau community in Oya, which she said had contributed to the organisation’s effectiveness in carrying out its programmes.

Highlighting Perkim’s welfare efforts, Fatimah said the organisation’s collaboration with Lembaga Amanah Kebajikan Melanau Oya (Lakmo) had enabled assistance to be extended to new converts, including basic solar assistance programmes in interior areas.

She said the first phase of the programme was carried out on July 17, 2025, involving 30 participants, while the second and third phases were combined and held on October 5, 2025, benefiting 62 participants.

According to her, a total of 490 new converts have been identified and recorded in Perkim’s database, allowing assistance to be planned and delivered in a more systematic and targeted manner.

“With proper data, we can ensure that assistance is channelled efficiently and reaches those who truly need it,” she said.

Fatimah added that the programmes were implemented through strategic cooperation with various agencies, including Baitulmal, Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (Jais), service centres and Minor Rural Project (MRP) allocations.

Describing the collaboration as strategic and impactful, she said such partnerships should be continued annually to ensure sustainable community development.

She also announced that an additional RM20,000 allocation under the MRP would be provided in 2026 to support Perkim’s activities, including joint programmes with Lakmo.

Fatimah concluded by officially officiating the closing ceremony of the AGM and called on Perkim members to remain united in strengthening the organisation’s role in supporting the community.