SDMC urges residents not to delay evacuation as monsoon season begins

KUCHING (Dec 31): The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has warned residents in flood-prone areas not to delay evacuation, citing recurring cases of reluctance to leave homes despite official instructions as the monsoon season begins in the state.

SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said authorities continue to face challenges when some residents refuse to evacuate, a situation that could put lives at risk during prolonged heavy rain.

“Sometimes the problem lies with the victims. As in previous years, some refuse to evacuate.

“Our advice is to evacuate when instructed. It is for their own good.

“We don’t want unwanted incidents to occur, so please move once you’re being mobilised,” said Uggah after visiting the Stapok Community Hall temporary evacuation centre (PPS) on Wednesday.

He acknowledged that residents are often concerned about leaving their homes unattended, but assured that the relevant agencies would monitor evacuated properties.

“What is important is that they must move to save their lives. So, we hope everybody will take the instruction clearly,” he said

Uggah said continuous rain from Tuesday into Wednesday had led to the opening of two PPS.

The Stapok Community Hall PPS is currently housing 53 families involving 199 evacuees, while the Dewan R. Piang Kampung Sinar Budi Baru PPS is sheltering 44 families with a total of 182 evacuees.

He also confirmed a landslide incident in Miri involving one family and four victims.

“This shows that the rainy season and monsoon have begun in Sarawak,” he said, adding that rain is expected until Thursday (Jan 1, 2026) in areas including Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Kuching and Samarahan.

Uggah said SDMC at the divisional and district levels, including in interior and remote areas, have been placed on standby in anticipation of prolonged rainfall between January and February, based on past experience.

He said all departments are ready to provide support services, with the Welfare Department preparing food, mattresses and essential supplies at evacuation centres.

On logistics, Uggah said Sarawak has sufficient supplies, with a main supply base in Kota Samarahan and several mini supply bases stocked across the state.

He added that suppliers have also been identified in rural areas to ensure timely delivery of necessities if access becomes difficult.

Uggah again urged the public, particularly those in low-lying areas, to cooperate fully with authorities.

“The government is doing its best to ensure everyone is safe and relocated to secure locations,” he said.