KUCHING: The recent floods in Sarawak have highlighted the urgent need for improved flood management systems, according to Member of Parliament for Kuching, Dr. Kelvin Yii who calls for proactive measures to prevent future disasters and protect communities in the region.
While debating at the Kamar Khas session, Dr Yii expressed support for the Prime Minister’s announcement of an immediate RM25 million aid allocation for Sabah and Sarawak but pointed out that this amount is insufficient given the scale of damages.
“Some victims have reported losses exceeding RM50,000 per household, making it clear that the initial funding does not reflect the severity of the situation,” he said.
He called for the federal government to increase the allocation to at least RM50 million for both states, drawing on the precedent set in December 2024, when RM50 million was allocated, with RM25 million each designated for Kedah and Terengganu.
Dr. Yii also highlighted issues with the distribution process, urging the government to eliminate bureaucratic obstacles that delay aid delivery.
“Some victims are unable to access aid because of restrictive conditions, such as being required to relocate to evacuation centers, which many refuse due to concerns about burglary. This policy needs to be revised to ensure aid reaches everyone in need,” he emphasized.
The MP also stressed the importance of expediting the Kuching Flood Mitigation Plan (PLSB), which has faced significant delays.
“We cannot afford further delays; the resilience of Sarawak’s flood defenses depends on the timely completion of this critical project,” Dr. Yii stated.
In addition, he called for transparency regarding the RM1 billion Flood Mitigation project announced by Deputy Prime Minister YB Fadhillah Yusof.
“I urge the government to clarify the current status of these funds, the project timeline, and the scope of the locations involved,” Dr. Yii said, reinforcing the need for accountability in such significant investments.
He reiterated the importance of coordinated efforts between the federal and state governments, as well as relevant agencies, to ensure both immediate relief and long-term flood prevention. “We need a unified strategy to safeguard our communities and prevent future crises,” he added.
By Connie Chieng