PETALING JAYA: A total of 15,009 flood victims across Sarawak and Sabah remain in temporary shelters, a drop from the 17,637 recorded earlier in the morning, according to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the latest data from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), as of noon on Saturday (Feb 1), indicates that 26 districts in Sarawak and Sabah are affected by floods, with 4,416 families housed in 87 Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS).
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP) chairman said three districts in Sarawak remain the hardest hit, namely Bintulu (4,928 evacuees), Serian (1,966 evacuees) and Selangau (1,056 evacuees).
“I am satisfied with the strong coordination demonstrated by the District Disaster Management Committees (JPBD) and State Disaster Management Committees (JPBN) in the flood-affected states,” Ahmad Zahid said in a statement on Saturday.
He said the authorities have deployed over 23,000 personnel members in Sarawak, consisting of responders from the Malaysian Armed Forces, the police, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, Social Welfare Department, Health Ministry and other relevant agencies.
The deployment includes a comprehensive logistics operation, featuring 526 land assets, 214 riverine and sea assets, 15 aerial assets and 269 support assets, he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said Sabah has mobilised 14,209 responders, backed by 977 land assets, 463 water assets and 16 aerial assets.
On Jan 31, he said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) downgraded the continuous heavy rain warning to alert level for several districts in Sarawak.
“As weather conditions improve, response teams, in collaboration with NGOs and local communities, should now focus on post-flood recovery and repairs while maintaining high preparedness levels in case of further rainfall and flooding,” Ahmad Zahid advised.
He further assured that the government has allocated emergency funds to all states and response agencies to support flood operations for the 2024/2025 Northeast Monsoon.
This includes ensuring PPS facilities are adequately equipped for evacuees, he said.
“I urge authorities to expedite the registration and verification process for flood victims to avoid delays in the distribution of the Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) financial aid,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid also directed Nadma, as the secretariat for JPBP, to continuously monitor the preparedness of all agencies at every level to handle potential disasters.
Ahmad Zahid reminded the public to take necessary precautions, including keeping an emergency bag ready, evacuating immediately to PPS when instructed, moving to higher and safer ground, preventing children from playing in floodwaters, drains or rivers and avoiding contact with electrical appliances, cables and wires in flooded areas.
He said the National Disaster Control Centre (NDCC), which operates 24/7, continues to monitor and report on the latest flood situation.
For verified updates, the public is advised to visit www.portalbencana.nadma.gov.my
