KUCHING: The Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) is prepared to activate 627 temporary transfer centres throughout the state for the purpose of managing flood victims.
Minister of Women, Children and Community Welfare (KPWK) Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah the location for the PPS has been decided by the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBNS) and its capacity can accommodate 162,091 flood victims.
“Therefore, I would like to remind the flood victims to move to the place or PPS provided and not to move to a location that is not on the list as PPS.
“Based on our experience, there are flood victims who have moved to other places that are not listed in the PPS and as a result they do not receive food or other aid,” she said at a press conference at Bangunan Baitulmakmur 2, today.
In terms of disaster relief storage facilities, JKMS has one large-scale Disaster Storage Depot, three mini-Depots and 16 Disaster Stores at the Divisional and District Welfare Offices.
“In this store we store mattresses, pillows, sarong cloth, blankets and everything new for the use of flood victims in PPS.
“In terms of assets and other necessities, we haves vehicles, 10,000 foldable tents, and 272 mobile dividers,” she said.
Fatimah said JKMS has prepared 25 disaster response bases to accommodate dry food aid in areas that are quite far inland, especially areas that do not have roads such as Nanga Baoh, Mukah.
“For areas that are easily accessible, we have appointed 206 suppliers to provide goods during a flood.
“It is important to ensure that all necessities can be delivered quickly, especially in rural areas,” she said.
A total of 1,971 JKM staff and volunteers are prepared to be mobilised during a flood.
“We also provide counsellors and psychological support teams to help victims who are emotionally stressed out.
“In addition, we also welcome contributions from corporate bodies and the public, but it is better to inform the department first so that activities can be coordinated,” she said.
According to the preparedness report of the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia), the transition phase of the monsoon will be from mid-September until November. MET Malaysia expects the North East Monsoon (MTL) 2022/2023 to be from November until March 2023.
Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang are expected to be hit by heavy monsoon rains from November to December, while Johor, Sabah and Sarawak are expected to receive the same from December till January 2023.
Preparations are being done for the state-level Charity Training and Disaster Simulation on September 27 at Dewan Ranchan, Serian. This charity exercise will involve 200 participants from various government agencies, community leaders, villagers, and local leaders.
