PUTRAJAYA, Feb 1 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), as secretariat of the Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP), to continue monitoring the preparedness levels of all agencies involved to face disasters.
Referring to the floods in Sabah and Sarawak, he expressed satisfaction with the effective coordination carried out by district Disaster Management Committees (JPBD) and state Disaster Management Committees (JPBN) in the two states.
“With early preparations and coordination, the government has allocated initial funds to all states and response agencies for operations during the 2024/2025 Northeast Monsoon season, in addition to ensuring proper and organised coordination by JPBD and JPBN.
“This includes ensuring that temporary evacuation centres are equipped with adequate basic facilities for flood victims,” he said in a statement today.
Zahid, who is also JPBP chairman, requested that registration and verification of victims be expedited to prevent delays in the disbursement of Bantuan Wang Ihsan.
The federal government will distribute RM1,000 in cash aid to heads of households affected by floods and relocated to temporary evacuation centres (PPS), subject to Nadma’s conditions.
According to the National Disaster Control Centre portal, as at 4.45pm today, 22 districts in Sabah and Sarawak have been flooded, involving 15,004 victims sheltered in 85 PPS.
The three worst-affected districts in Sarawak are Bintulu (4,811 victims), Serian (2,597 victims), and Selangau (1,056 victims). There are a total of 13,302 victims in the state.
In Sabah, five districts have been affected, with 14 PPS opened so far, sheltering 1,702 victims from Pitas, Lahad Datu, Paitan, Beaufort, and Beluran.
Earlier, Kota Marudu, Kota Belud, and Telupid in Sabah were declared flood-free, and all affected residents in these three districts have been allowed to go home.
Meanwhile, Zahid in a Facebook post expressed his appreciation to all parties, including government agencies, security personnel, medical staff, volunteers, non-governmental organisations and local communities, for their immediate response in tackling the disaster.
He said over 23,000 personnel in Sarawak and more than 14,000 in Sabah have been mobilised.
“Their commitment is extremely appreciated in ensuring the safety and well-being of the victims,” he said.
Zahid added that the floods that hit Sabah and Sarawak required swift action and efficient coordination.
He said the Meteorological Department and Nadma had issued early warnings to ensure preparedness at all levels.
He also reminded Sabah and Sarawak folk to be vigilant and aware, following the weather forecast of a significant monsoon surge from February 4 to 7.
“This situation has the potential to cause continuous heavy rain in Sabah and Sarawak. As such, warnings of strong winds and rough seas have been issued for the waters of the South China Sea during that period,” he said.
— Bernama
