KUCHING: The Social Welfare Department (JKM) Sarawak is all geared up to face the approaching northeast monsoon and potential floods.
In stating this, Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said that the preparation made is all thanks to the cooperation with local agencies and communities.
“In terms of preparedness, JKM has currently appointed 252 food suppliers throughout Sarawak to supply food to the Temporary Transfer Centre (PPS). This step will ensure sufficient food supply for residents in PPS.
“Aside from that, we also have 48 readied vehicles from the Federation and Sarawak for transportation purposes. Although this amount is not enough, it will be supported by other agencies and coordinated by the State Disaster Management Committee,” she said in a statement on Monday (Oct 30).
She also said that in terms of staff strength and volunteers, JKM has prepared a team of 541 staff which includes JKM staff, Psychological Officers/Counselors, along with a total of 1443 JKM volunteers ready to serve during the northeast monsoon season.
Following this, Fatimah stated that JKM has moved 29 of its bases filled with disaster needs.
According to her, the said bases are located in flood-prone, remote areas, and places that are difficult for aid delivery.
Having said that, she noted that there will be a supply of 2,175 packs of dry food to these bases, based on the population of the identified area.
“Not to forget, we have identified 627 temporary transfer centres with a capacity of 162,091 people. Of these, there are four large centres that can accommodate more than a thousand people each, 101 medium centres that can accommodate between 500 and 999 people, and a smaller capacity, which is less than 500 people.
“Currently, JKM has as many as 10,000 tents, and this does not include those in other agencies. This tent will be installed in the PPS and will be able to provide privacy to the victims.”
To ensure that the volunteers and staff are geared up ahead of the disaster, she disclosed that JKM had organised the temporary transfer centre simulation which aimed to train officers and residents to manage temporary transfer centres in disaster situations by focusing on registration and food preparation, as well as psychological assistance activities.
“In terms of registration, training involves registration procedures and information coordination, while in food preparation, it involves the preparation and distribution of food as well as maintaining food hygiene and safety.
“Meanwhile, the psychological assistance activities involve training in providing emotional support to traumatised individuals as well as understanding specific needs in psychological assistance.
“This simulation helps ensure that temporary evacuation centres are ready to provide efficient and effective assistance to disaster-affected residents, while improving the coordination of relief teams and the emotional wellbeing of affected residents.”
On top of these, Fatimah added that JKM has implemented three flood simulation exercises in the Rh Sebuang, Nanga Merama in Kapit on Aug 27, the Nanga Mendamit Community hall in Limbang on Aug 24, and Samarahan Auditorium on Sept 25.
“The simulation exercises done were aimed to assess the preparedness of JKM staff and residents in the face of flood disasters,” she emphasised.
