Sarawak: The Public Works Department (JKR) has been instructed to take immediate action to repair roads damaged by heavy rains and floods affecting several areas in Sarawak. Sarawak Deputy Premier and Sarawak Disaster Management Committee chairman, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, said that although the full extent of the damage to the Pan Borneo Highway has yet to be determined, repairs in critical areas must be prioritised.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Uggah highlighted that at Jalan Mambong, almost half of the road has been cut off, necessitating urgent repairs and continuous monitoring of affected roads across all divisions. He made these remarks after visiting a Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina Chung Hua Batu Kawa.

Additionally, Uggah mentioned that the Sarawak government, through its disaster management committee, is actively relocating flood victims from severely affected areas of Bintulu. The flood victims are being swiftly moved to Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) with assistance from the Malaysian Armed Forces and Fire and Rescue Department teams from Miri, Sibu, and Mukah.

Uggah noted that while Sarawak’s annual average rainfall is 5,000mm, Bintulu alone has already received 400mm in a short period, causing a rapid rise in water levels. He also urged non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to coordinate with the committee to ensure efficient distribution of assistance to victims.