KUCHING – Authorities in Sarawak have assured that food and essential supplies for flood victims remain sufficient, thanks to early preparations and continuous replenishment of stock at disaster depots across the state.
Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development and Member of Parliament for Santubong, said forward bases and supply storage depots were activated in advance to ensure aid could be delivered promptly to evacuees.
Speaking after a visit to PPS Surau Ar-Rahman, Kampung Sungai Batu, on Friday, she explained that supplies would be replenished whenever distributed, preventing shortages of food, beverages and other necessities.
Sarawak currently operates several disaster supply depots in Limbang, Kuching and Samarahan, alongside mini depots in strategic areas. These facilities are on standby to support relief centres in the event of rising evacuations.
Beyond physical needs, Nancy highlighted the importance of emotional support for evacuees. She said approximately 270 members of the Psychosocial Support Team (PST) and 230 volunteers from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) were prepared to provide counselling and activities to reduce stress, particularly among children.
On the capacity of relief centres, she noted that Malaysia has 9,058 registered PPSs nationwide, capable of accommodating up to two million evacuees. These centres, often located in community halls and schools, are opened in stages depending on requirements to ensure safety and proper management.
Nancy emphasised that disaster preparedness in Sarawak is coordinated with local authorities, security agencies and government staff, including those recalled from leave, to ensure smooth operations.
At present, 10 PPSs are active in Sarawak, housing 1,181 victims from 304 households. The Sinar Budi Hall recorded the highest number with 208 evacuees, while Stapok Community Hall sheltered 178 people.
Other centres include Taman Malihah Multipurpose Hall (163 victims), SJKC Chunghua Sungai Tengah (179 victims), SJKC Chung Hua Batu Kawa (205 victims), Surau Ar-Rahman (52 victims), Surau Nurul Najihin (56 victims), and Masjid Darul Istiqlal, Kampung Sungai Maong (7 victims).
In Samarahan Division, the Samarahan Community Hall currently accommodates 23 victims from eight households, while the Trusan Community Hall shelters 39 victims from seven households.
Also present during the visit was Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak’s Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing, who joined in assessing the relief centre’s operations.
The government’s integrated approach, combining logistical readiness with psychosocial support, underscores its commitment to safeguarding communities during flood emergencies.
