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.