BINTULU: MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has cancelled a Chinese New Year open house scheduled for Feb 9 here to focus on flood relief efforts.
The cancellation comes in the wake of severe flooding that has displaced many residents and caused significant property damage in recent days.
Tiong announced the cancellation in a Facebook post on Friday (Jan 31), stressing the urgency of aiding those affected.
“This situation requires a long-term collective effort to overcome. Therefore, with a heavy heart, we have decided to cancel the event to fully concentrate on helping those impacted by the floods,” he stated.
Tiong, who visited the temporary evacuation centres (PPS) at Dewan Suarah and Paragon, highlighted several critical issues faced by evacuees, including inadequate facilities, malfunctioning air conditioning, leaking roofs, and overcrowded tents.
He has since instructed the relevant authorities to take immediate action to improve conditions at the shelters.
“Our priority is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for those affected. I have directed the necessary agencies to coordinate resources and ensure the proper functioning of these facilities,” he added.
Additionally, Tiong who is Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, has called on the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to ensure systematic food distribution at all PPS to guarantee every evacuee receives sufficient meals and essential supplies.
With concerns rising over potential health risks due to the high density of evacuees in some PPS, he announced that a medical team will be stationed at Dewan Suarah starting tomorrow to conduct health screenings and provide medical assistance.
“I have also contacted the Bintulu Health Department to deploy additional medical personnel from other areas to assist at the PPS,” he said.
Reassuring the public, Tiong emphasised that all efforts are being made to coordinate resources and provide comprehensive aid to flood victims.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and do everything possible to help the affected communities navigate this difficult time,” he said.
