KUCHING: All donations for flood-affected individuals from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) must go through the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to avoid confusion among the authorities.
Deputy Premier cum Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that while community NGOs had planned to deliver donations directly to those affected, the state government is keen on ensuring a more organised approach.
“All donations must go to the SDMC Secretariat. If they are meant for Bintulu, please direct them to the Bintulu Resident, who serves as the Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) Secretariat.
“We do not allow NGOs to deliver donations directly to evacuees at the temporary relief centres (PPS).
“This would cause confusion among our PPS personnel. We want to ensure donations are distributed in an orderly manner,” he said when met at PPS SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa today (Jan 30).
Uggah pointed out that the SDMC has the experience needed to manage disaster aid, with the Welfare Department maintaining stock and storage facilities in readiness for such situations.
“Once a PPS is activated, the department will distribute essential supplies to the affected individuals,” he said.
Accompanying Uggah during the visit were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Political Secretary to the Premier Kho Teck Wan, and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai.
For the record, PPS SJK Chung Hua Batu Kawa is currently housing 236 evacuees from 59 families affected by flash floods in Kampung Rantau Panjang.
Various agencies, including the Civil Defence Force (APM), Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Social Welfare Department (JKM), Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), and the People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA), are ensuring the welfare and safety of evacuees.

