Kuching: The Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKMS) has taken proactive measures to address the challenges posed by the North-East Monsoon, which spans from November to March, by identifying 661 relief centres throughout the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah revealed that disaster relief stocks have been strategically positioned at several locations. These include the Samarahan Disaster Storage Depot, mini depots in Miri and Lawas, 16 disaster stores at divisional and district welfare offices, and 31 disaster response bases across Sarawak.

Fatimah also announced that the Sarawak government has approved a new rate of Disaster Reliefw to support victims of floods, landslides, fires, and storms starting this year. The assistance encompasses a one-off initial food supply valued at RM75 per household for families with one to five members.

Moreover, immediate financial assistance packages have been established, providing RM200 in pocket money, RM300 for daily-wear apparel, RM100 for dry food, and RM200 for sleeping essentials per individual. Additionally, a one-off school aid includes uniforms and shoes worth RM300 per student and school supplies such as bags and stationery valued at RM200 per student.

Fatimah detailed further relief measures, including a one-off allocation of RM1,000 for kitchen appliances per household and shelter aid ranging from RM1,000 to RM10,000 for temporary housing or rental. Victims at relief centres will receive daily food assistance costing RM50 per person, while those stranded will receive a dry food supply worth RM100 per person per week.

She highlighted that from January to April 30 this year, JKMS had distributed RM21.1 million in assistance to 168,574 disaster victims throughout Sarawak.