Uggah denies claims of aid denial for flood victims who refuse evacuation

BINTULU (Jan 15): Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has dismissed claims that flood victims who refuse to evacuate to temporary evacuation centres (PPS) will be denied compassionate aid.

Uggah, who is also chairman of the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), said he never made any such announcement.

“What I conveyed was that all those affected who need to evacuate should do so. The reason it is important for them to evacuate is to save their lives,” he clarified when asked about the issue during a press conference at PPS Dewan Suarah Bintulu on Wednesday, following a visit by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to flood-affected areas.

According to him, the flood situation in several areas, including Sebauh, is alarming, with floodwaters in some longhouses reaching roof level, making evacuation an urgent necessity.

“In such circumstances, residents cannot remain in their homes,” he said, adding that similar measures were taken in Kuching, where residents were urged to evacuate for safety reasons even if they were initially reluctant.

Commenting on compassionate aid for victims who choose not to evacuate in order to safeguard their homes and belongings, Uggah said the matter could still be considered subject to certain conditions.

“However, we have set several conditions for SDMC coordinators at the divisional level.

“There are specific circumstances. For example, if someone needs to stay behind to look after a longhouse, perhaps two or three individuals, this can be considered,” he said.

Uggah also noted that discussions have been held with the police to ensure that any settlements or longhouses left vacant during evacuations are closely monitored to prevent security issues.

He reiterated that the safety and well-being of flood-affected communities remain the top priority of the state authorities.