Sarawak Premier Appreciates Immediate Federal Flood Allocation

KUCHING, Jan 31 (Bernama) -- Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg conveyed his thanks to the Federal Government for the immediate RM25 million allocation for Sarawak and Sabah announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today.

“We assume that the total will be divided into two, so thank you for the allocation,” he said after visiting the Red Crescent Centre relief centre in Miri housing evacuees from Kampung Lereng Bukit who were moved following a landslide that killed five people three days ago.

Meanwhile Dewan Negara member Abun Sui Anyit described the aid as the Prime Minister fulfilling his previous request, which would bring relief to Sarawak.

“What’s important is that this allocation must really reach its target and the victims and that the damaged infrastructure can be repaired,” he said when contacted.

Anaq Vaie Bintulu Association chairman Pandi Suhaili expressed his hope that the Federal Government would consider other aid to help those of the Bintulu community who were affected by the flood.

He said that over 500 association members in Bintulu have been affected by the flooding that began a day before Chinese New Year and most of them were from the lower income group and working as fishermen.

“I hope that besides allocation to repair infrastructure, the government would help my association members who have been affected by the worst flood in Bintulu’s history through the provision of special aid to repair their residences or to buy equipment for their livelihood,” he said.

-- BERNAMA