Sarawak ramps up disaster preparedness with new evacuation centres, emergency works

KUCHING (Dec 3): The RM8.5 million permanent disaster relocation centre (PPKB) at SK Beradek in Padawan is expected to be completed by March 2026, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Uggah, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, said the facility is one of two permanent evacuation centres approved by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) for flood-prone areas in Sarawak.

“For the second PPKB in Long Busang, Kapit costing RM9 million will commence works in January 2026,” he said when winding up his ministerial speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here.

He said both projects strengthen Sarawak’s preparedness for the Northeast Monsoon 2025/2026, adding that all Divisional Disaster Management Committees have been placed on full alert with key assets on standby.

Uggah noted that the Malaysian Meteorological Department declared the start of the monsoon on Nov 13, with the season expected to continue until March 2026.

“Therefore, I would like to remind the public to remain prepared for any eventualities.

“Please stay alert to weather warnings by the Meteorological Department, and follow the directives from the relevant authorities. This is critical for the safety of communities at risk.

“Timely action saves lives,” he stressed.

On improving access during emergencies, Uggah said Nadma has provided three Bailey bridges.

“The bridge in Sungai Baleh, Long Banga in Miri Division is 59 per cent complete, while two more bridges at Sungai Bunau, Long Tebangan and Sungai Benuang, Long Jeeh in Miri Division are under the tender process,” he said.

He added that natural disasters continue to cause damage to infrastructure statewide. To date, 393 emergency response work projects worth RM381.37 million have been approved, with 266 already completed.

For the Minor Emergency Work Assistance Fund, 112 projects amounting to RM26.31 million have been approved since 2020.

Of these, 74 projects valued at RM17.90 million are being implemented, while 38 projects worth RM8.41 million have been completed.

“These provisions have played a significant role in improving community resilience, restoring essential infrastructure, and ensuring safer living conditions for residents affected by disasters across Sarawak,” said Uggah.