Over 1,000 flood victims in Bangkalalak, Suasa receive food baskets

BEAUFORT (Jan 17): Over 1,000 flood victims across two zones in the Lumadan state constituency have received food assistance.

According to State Assistant Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Ruslan Muharam, the assistance covers the recipients in the Bangkalalak and Suasa zones.

“Our hope is that this modest contribution would help alleviate the hardship faced by the flood victims, whether they have been evacuated or remained in their homes.

“This is especially so for those facing difficulties in securing financial resources or agricultural produce,” he told reporters when met after distributing food baskets here on Wednesday.

Also present was Sipitang MP Datuk Matbali Musah.

Asked about the second wave of flooding, Ruslan – the assemblyman for Lumadan – said all the relevant agencies were on standby, including those overseeing the distribution of assistance across several zones within his constituency.

It is informed that among the zones yet to receive assistance are Padas Damit, Kebajang, Gadong, Lupak, Padas Valley, Beaufort Selatan and Bukau.

“We advise the public to always be prepared with food supplies and daily necessities, especially with the children having returned to school,” he said.

In a related development, Ruslan said that the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) had opened the registration, via QR code scanning, for the flood victims.

“This covers those who have been evacuated and those who have not, ensuring that federal government assistance would be distributed accurately.

“Based on current records, a total of 600 people are staying at the temporary evacuation centres, while more than 7,000 others have been recorded outside these centres,” he added.