Drought drains S’wak’s disaster budget, pushes spending RM10.1 mln over allocation as El Niño looms

Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department (Japen)

By Amanda L

KUCHING, Oct 20: Sarawak has spent RM23.71 million on disaster assistance as of September, exceeding its original allocation by RM10.1 million amid additional demands for clean water supplies during an unexpected drought.

Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the assistance had benefited 499,859 victims affected by drought, floods, fires, storms and landslides.

“The additional expenditure was necessary to meet increased demand for clean water supplies following the prolonged drought,” she said during her ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) complex, today.

To address the impact of El Niño, the Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) has activated its Disaster Aid Operations Room and strengthened preparedness at divisional and district offices.

According to Fatimah, clean water deliveries will be carried out as soon as possible to ensure affected communities receive the assistance they need.

Meanwhile, Sarawak has identified 679 temporary evacuation centres (PPS) statewide in preparation for the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon.

“Basic necessities have also been stocked at the Samarahan Central Storage Depot and four mini depots in Mukah, Kapit, Miri and Lawas,” she added.

In addition, 12 divisional and district Social Welfare Offices and 23 disaster forward bases have been prepared to facilitate the prompt distribution of aid during emergencies.

In a separate welfare initiative, 61,603 recipients had received RM231.2 million in monthly financial assistance from JKMS as of September to help vulnerable groups cope with the rising cost of living.

From January to September, a further RM10.9 million was spent on kidney patient assistance, medical aid and assistive devices, benefiting 649 recipients. —DayakDaily