Brace for floods, likely till March — Fadillah
KUCHING: Sarawak is expected to experience flooding between now and March, according to forecast by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (JMM).
In view of this, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof called on all government agencies, enforcement authorities, community leaders and the people to be on the alert and to constantly monitor the latest weather report from JMM.
“For residents in flood-affected areas, if there is instruction to evacuate, please do not wait until authorities force you to evacuate. We must evacuate early so that not only lives can be saved but also properties.
“Those who are living in lowlying areas are also reminded to keep their important documents or belongings in high areas so that when floods do occur, they will not suffer a big loss,” he told reporters when met after officially opening TM Tours and Travel Kuching branch here yesterday.
Fadillah, who is Petra Jaya MP, also advised residents to inform relevant authorities immediately
For residents in flood-affected areas, if there is instruction to evacuate, please do not wait until authorities force you to evacuate. We must evacuate early so that not only lives can be saved but also properties. Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Works Minister
should they come across incidents such as landslide or even signs of erosion.
“We are seeking the cooperation of the people to identify such signs to enable authorities to take preventive measures,” he said, adding that residents could also lodge the report at the Public Works Department’s (JKR) Disaster Management Centre operation rooms or his ministry’s website.
According to him, the operation rooms are now operating from 8am to 5pm following the floods in Terengganu and Kelantan and would operate round-the clock when the need arose.
“We also monitor flood situation not only through social media but also the government’s official channel.”
On another matter, Fadillah also advised Muslims going for umrah to be careful with agents offering umrah packages priced below RM5,000 to prevent fraud.
He pointed out that umrah packages should only be purchased from travel agencies which are registered with Tabung Haji and the Ministry of Tourism at federal and state levels.
“The public should be wary of any travel agency offering umrah packages that are less than RM5,000. It is unfortunate that many are still being duped by these irresponsible travel agencies.
“I hope from now on Malaysians who are going for umrah, especially those from Sarawak, will be more careful.”
Tupong assemblyman Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman, Senator Dr Zaiedi Suhaili, TM Tours and Travel managing director Mohd Ridzwan Abdullah and TM Tours and Travel Sarawak division general manager Azmi Shaari also attended the opening ceremony.