BALEH assemblyman Nicholas Kudi Jantai has stressed the pressing need to establish a disaster emergency centre in the constituency.
He explained that such a centre was crucial for delivering swift aid to remote and inaccessible locations that are vulnerable to natural disasters.
Nicholas expressed concern over the inadequate infrastructure and limited communication coverage in the area, which hinder the timely provision of assistance during emergencies.
“In October 2022, severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and powerful storms, made numerous longhouses in the Baleh area inaccessible by road, river, and air.
“Even aerial support from the Fire and Rescue Department faced challenges in delivering aid promptly,” he said at the DUN sitting on Friday (May 19).
During a visit to the affected area, particularly Rumah Umbar in Ulu Tiau, Mujong, which comprises 28 households, Nicholas witnessed the devastating impact.
Three houses were still buried beneath the ground, and another was severely damaged. The access road to these longhouses remained impassable due to a collapsed bridge, further impeding recovery efforts.
He expressed disappointment in the lack of response from nearby timber companies, despite multiple requests for assistance. He also highlighted the limited action taken by local authorities, including the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), in addressing the situation.
“I urge the relevant authorities to prioritise and expedite efforts to address this issue promptly.”
