Be proactive in flood preparedness, grassroots leaders told
by Jacqueline Raphael · Borneo Post OnlineMIRI (Dec 18): Sarawak Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat has called for immediate and proactive action from community leaders to mitigate flood damage.
Speaking at the Lambir constituency Christmas dinner here on Wednesday, he emphasised that knowing the right agencies to contact during emergencies is crucial for aiding victims and protecting property.
The Lambir assemblyman pointed to unpredictable weather patterns that have triggered severe flooding this year.
He urged grassroots leaders and the public to remain vigilant by monitoring weather developments closely.
“Negligence in these situations can lead to severe losses, including lives. However, with proper preparation, we can avoid the worst impacts of heavy rain and flash floods,” he said.
He also advised residents to exercise greater prudence in planning home construction, to which he specifically recommended avoiding high-risk areas such as low-lying zones and riverbanks, which are susceptible to floods and erosion.
He said houses built in low-lying areas should incorporate mitigation measures such as being raised on stilts or elevating the foundation walls, while houses constructed too close to rivers are at risk of collapse due to soil erosion.
In addressing disasters, Ripin stressed that communities must move beyond simply venting emotions or sharing incidents on social media without taking effective follow-up measures.
He emphasised that every village and longhouse should maintain complete contact information for relevant agencies, including the District Disaster Management Committee, the Social Welfare Department (JKM), the Public Works Department (JKR), and the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), to ensure prompt channelling of assistance.
“This information is essential for every village and longhouse so that when a disaster strikes, we can immediately reach out to the relevant agencies – rather than merely creating a stir on social media. Criticising this or that will not bring any benefit,” he said.
“This is one way we can help the victims involved, by seeking solutions as quickly as possible through contacting the relevant agencies.”
He added that swift action and close cooperation between grassroots leaders, government agencies, and the local community are the best approach to delivering immediate solutions and aiding victims.
A positive attitude and readiness to act, he noted, will help minimise the impact of disasters and safeguard the safety and well-being of residents.