Over 5,700 JKM volunteers and 976 psychological support members are on standby nationwide as floods in Sabah displace nearly 3,700 people.
KUCHING: A total of 5,744 Social Welfare Department volunteers and 976 members of the Psychological Support Team have been placed on nationwide standby.
This mobilisation follows unpredictable weather from the Northeast Monsoon and current flooding in Sabah.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the priority is ensuring readiness in key areas. These include online victim registration, distribution of essential supplies, and health management at evacuation centres.
“These preparations are not only for disaster management but also to provide mental health support to affected communities,” she said. She added that district offices will assist with aid registration in areas without internet access.
Nancy was speaking after an event at the Kampung Selabat Multipurpose Hall. She confirmed the ministry is prepared for any eventuality following continuous rainfall in Sabah.
The focus is on frontline preparedness, particularly in rural areas. “So far, frontline stock supplies are sufficient as various forms of aid have already been prepared,” she stated.
She noted close coordination with the National Disaster Management Agency to ensure smooth operations. A total of 4,785 JKM personnel have been deployed to affected locations in Sabah.
Each relief centre will have at least one counsellor to assist evacuees, with special attention for children. The number of flood victims in Sabah rose sharply to 3,685 people from 1,593 families.
This is up from 406 people from 124 families the previous day. The Sabah State Disaster Management Secretariat confirmed 18 relief centres are operating across three districts.
The affected districts are Kota Marudu, Pitas and Paitan. Flooding has impacted 47 villages, with 30 in Pitas, 12 in Kota Marudu and five in Paitan.
All three districts were hit by floods following continuous rainfall over several days.
The Sun Malaysia
