KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has placed 7,507 personnel and critical assets from various agencies on standby to safeguard public safety and welfare during the upcoming flood season.
Deputy Premier and SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that all relevant agencies and departments have demonstrated high commitment to ensuring thorough preparations.
“In terms of personnel strength, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has 1,406 personnel, the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has 1,462, the Civil Defence Force (APM) has 2,759, and the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) has 1,880 personnel.
“Land, sea, and air assets are also ready to respond to potential floods. These include 214 boats, three jet skis, 263 four-wheel drive vehicles (4WD), 78 lorries, 32 ambulances, 152 motorcycles, two buses, four helicopters, and 15 drones.
“To bolster disaster readiness, 31 forward bases have been established statewide, supported by a disaster storage depot in Kota Samarahan and two mini disaster storage depots.
“These facilities are crucial for storing food supplies and enabling swift distribution during disasters,” he said after chairing the SDMC meeting for wet season preparations at Wisma Bapa Malaysia yesterday (Dec 10).
Uggah added that the state is also equipped with 661 temporary evacuation centres (PPS), capable of sheltering up to 160,819 individuals.
To enhance response capabilities, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage has upgraded its flood warning telemetry system and improved its related infrastructure.
“Early warnings are critical. With the improved system, we can provide timely alerts to at-risk areas and deploy assistance promptly,” he said.
Uggah further noted that SDMC will utilise advanced technology, including drones and radio services, in collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to enhance service quality during disasters.
