Nancy Shukri: Ministry ready for possible floods with mini depots, 4,785 personnel on standby

KUCHING (Feb 21): The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development is fully prepared to face possible floods, with mini depots and personnel placed on standby in coordination with relevant agencies, said its minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

Speaking after the Mindness Tour PSSS Kasih Counselling and Food Basket Handover Programme at Kampung Selabat Community Hall here on Saturday, Nancy said preparations particularly focus on mini depots in smaller or remote areas.

“We are always prepared, especially with small depots or mini depots, as they are usually located in smaller areas where the main depot may be far away. So we continuously refill them,” she told reporters.

She explained that the ministry has also implemented an online registration system, the JKM Disaster Information Account (MyIBJKM), to facilitate applications for aid.

“However, if there are areas without internet access, the district office will always assist,” she said, noting that it has become standard practice, especially for flood-prone areas.

Nancy said the ministry works closely with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) in flood response efforts.

“A total of 4,785 personnel have been assigned, along with 155 counsellors or counselling officers.

“At every temporary evacuation centre (PPS), there will always be counsellors as well as personnel to help organise activities for children,” she noted.

On flood coordination, she explained that each district office leads operations within its respective district based on an established structure.

The ministry also collaborates with various agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the Ministry of Education (KPM), the Ministry of Health (KKM) and local authorities.

“For the Social Welfare Department (JKM) alone, we have 5,744 volunteers, while our psychological support team comprises 976 members who are always ready at PPS,” she said.

Additionally, Nancy called on Sarawakians to remain cautious, especially with continuous rainfall in Kuching.

“It is our responsibility, especially for Nadma together with JKM, to ensure that areas which may be affected by floods are prepared to provide assistance,” she said.