SERIAN: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof will be discussing with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim the unique flood challenges faced by Sarawak.
He stressed that while flood victims in Peninsular Malaysia who register at temporary relief centres (PPS) are eligible for RM1,000 financial aid, the situation in Sarawak requires a more tailored approach.
He noted that not all affected individuals in Sarawak may be able to relocate to PPS due to the state’s vast and difficult terrain, making it essential to account for these specific circumstances when distributing assistance.
“The situation in Sarawak is different, and I will discuss this with the Prime Minister.
“The key point is to ensure those affected are registered with the District Office, even if they have not relocated to a PPS, so that we can accurately assess the situation,” he said.
He told the media this after visiting a PPS at the Basketball Indoor Stadium here Saturday (Feb 2).
Fadillah noted that the state government has already announced an additional RM10 million in aid, with similar support from the federal government.
However, he assured that further evaluations will be made regarding other forms of assistance, particularly in terms of infrastructure repairs and public facility improvements once floodwaters have receded.
Fadillah who is Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) stressed that those who did not relocate to PPS should still register and explain their reasons for not doing so.
This, he said, will help the government ensure that aid reaches those most in need and provides a better understanding of the unique challenges faced by communities in Sarawak.
“Sometimes, certain areas are cut off, and it’s simply not possible for people to move. We need to be sensitive to these unique circumstances in Sarawak,” he added.
