KUCHING – The recent floods in Lawas, Sarawak, have affected the lives of many whose homes and belongings have been damaged and some, destroyed.
Ba’kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian said he has deployed a volunteer group to work on an ongoing relief effort to help the victims at this time of need.
“When the flood happened, we checked with police and were informed that we are not allowed to visit the victims due to the current Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Nevertheless, we are finding ways to distribute food items and other necessities, and our distribution drive started yesterday (Friday).”
He said his team is strictly adhering to SOPs while out on their mission.
They managed to distribute food packages with bags of rice to 300 families in 10 villages at Trusan Laut on Friday, he added.
“Today (yesterday), we intend to deliver 500 more packs to more than 10 villages in the same area.
“The flood has badly affected Ba’kelalan’s wet padi farmers, and we will be delivering aid to some 200 families there tomorrow.
“We plan to deliver more as and when we receive reports from our ground team who are now hitting the road running every day.”
Baru also expressed his appreciation to an individual for sponsoring groceries, including 100 bags of 5kg rice, to the affected families.
“I am touched by the many youth who have come forward to volunteer in the distribution of the supplies.
“It is indeed heartening that so many people have come forward to contribute aid.
“I am doing the best I can to help folk affected by the flood, but more help is needed. I call on the government, especially the Welfare Department, and non-governmental organisations to work together to contribute and assist immediately.”
He said some affected villages are without water supply, and expressed hope that the district council will immediately send out repair teams to rectify the situation.
“I remain fully engaged, and I am directly involved in the daily execution of our distribution.”
Families in need of supplies who have missed getting aid can call the Ba’kelalan assemblyman’s service centre at 85-2837-75, or contact 011-2504-5018 (Edwin), 011-1548-3935 (Gituen) or 013-5616-456 (Apui). – The Vibes, May 23, 2021
