SDMC on full alert for possible second wave of flooding, says Uggah

KUCHING (Jan 3): The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is on full alert for the possibility of a second wave of flooding during the current monsoon and king tide period, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

During his visit to the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at SJK (C) Chung Hua Sungai Tengah here on Saturday, Uggah said a total of 343 families involving 1,347 evacuees are currently being housed at 12 evacuation centres statewide.

He expressed satisfaction with the improved management and readiness of PPS facilities compared to previous years, noting that earlier shortcomings in logistics and basic amenities had since been rectified.

“They are already going through hardship, so at the very least we must ensure the PPS provides comfort and safety,” he said, adding that food supply, clean bedding, water supply, medical support and sanitation are in place.

Uggah also said fogging operations have been intensified to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases among evacuees.

While acknowledging that water levels had receded in several areas, he cautioned that the present situation is only the first phase of the flood cycle, with projections indicating the season may extend into March.

Hence, he urged residents in flood-prone and low-lying areas to heed evacuation orders immediately when instructed.

“There is no guarantee that water will not rise. If heavy rain coincides with the king tide, the situation can worsen very quickly.

“If you are told to move, please move — do not question the order. It is for your safety,” he stressed.

Uggah said enforcement and response agencies, including the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) and police, are actively monitoring areas identified as vulnerable to flooding.

“We hope there will not be another wave, but we must be ready if it happens,” he said.

As of now, PPS SJK (C) Chung Hua Sungai Tengah is housing 195 evacuees from 55 families from Taman Malihah and Kampung Tengah Sungai.

The deputy premier also visited several other PPS, including PPS Kampung Sungai Batu and PPS Kota Samarahan.