KUCHING, Jan 3: The Sarawak government is on full alert to face any possibility of recurring floods, even though the weather is reported to be improving in several areas. Sarawak Deputy Premier and Chairman of the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBNS), Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, said the current flood episodes are still in the early stages and have the potential to continue.

He added that based on current projections, the risk of serious flooding could persist until March, especially if heavy rainfall coincides with the phenomenon of high tides (king tide). "The weather this morning is hot, but we do not know the conditions tonight or tomorrow. If heavy rain coincides with the king tide, the situation could become worse," he said.

He made the remarks when met by the media at the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at Chung Hua National-type School (SJK) Sungai Tengah, here, today
Further elaborating, he revealed that so far, 12 PPS have been activated across Sarawak, including in Lawas, Kota Samarahan, and several areas in the Kuching division.

“The number of PPS in Sarawak is 12 in total, with two in Lawas, one in Kota Samarahan, and the rest in Kuching. All these centers involve a total of 343 families, amounting to 1,347 victims,” he said.

He added that all PPS are closely monitored to ensure the welfare of the victims is always guaranteed.

Uggah also informed that all relevant agencies, including the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) are on the ground to monitor risk areas and river water levels as part of continuous preparedness measures. – TVS