Get fully prepared, Uggah reminds DDDMCs of possibility of major floods due to unpredictable weather patterns

KUCHING, Feb 22 2026: Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah has instructed the Divisional and District Disaster Management Committees (DDDMCs) to get fully prepared in view of the unpredictable weather patterns brought about by the Northeast Monsoon that may cause major floods in low-lying areas.

Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah: The unpredictable weather conditions during the rainy season require all agencies to remain vigilant

He said DDDMCs should prepare themselves in terms of manpower, machinery and equipment.

He said there are possibilities that Northeast Monsoon may bring heavy continuous rains that cause major floods, just like what was happening last year.

"We have also informed departments such as the Sarawak Public Works Department and the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) to keep an eye on any areas damaged by landslides or broken roads.

"We ask all parties to continue to pay close attention and take immediate action so that if the road is broken, it can be repaired and used again as soon as possible.

"This situation occurs every rainy season in several places, so we would like to give instructions so that all agencies are always ready with their respective manpower, machinery and equipment," Uggah, who is also the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, said after visiting the Majid Darul Istiqlal Temporary Evacuation Centre today.

According to him, the unpredictable weather conditions during the rainy season require all agencies to remain vigilant, while assistance to victims will be strengthened to reduce the burden they bear.

He also called on residents in flood-risk areas to always be prepared, obey the authorities' instructions and immediately evacuate if instructed to do so for the safety of themselves and their families.

He said a committee led by the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) continues to monitor the current situation, while the Community Emergency Response Teams in the villages have been urged to meet and be prepared.

"This is because there are villages that are far away, where our machinery may take up to a day to arrive," he said.

The Masjid Darul Istiqlal PPS is currently housing 65 victims involving 18 families.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy and PETROS)  Ibrahim Baki, Deputy State Secretay (Administration) Felicia Tan and heads of departments.

Next state election may be contested based on the current 82 seats if the proposed increase from 82 to 99 has not received Parliament's approval

KOTA SAMARAHAN, Feb 22 2026:  Deputy Speaker Idris Buang has said that the coming state election may be contested based on the current 82 state seats, if Parliament does not approve a proposal to increase the number to 99 before  the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (SLA)

Deputy Speaker Idris Buang: As of now the state government is waiting for proposal to increase the number of state seats from 82 to 99 by Parliament, as provided for under the Federal Constitution. 

He said he does not see any reason for Parliament to reject the proposed increase, as long as the study by the Election Commission (EC) is conducted professionally and thoroughly.

He, however, stressed that the final decision requires sincerity and due consideration from members of Parliament for the collective benefit of Sarawakians.

The term of the current the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (SLM) expires early next year as the last state election was held on December 18 2021.

Addressing the possibility of a state election being held before the approval is secured, Idris said that if an election were called in the interim, it would be contested based on the existing 82 seats.

“The timing and determination of the election remain at the discretion of the Sarawak premier. It depends entirely on the considerations of the state’s top leadership,” he explained, referring to Premier Abang Johari Openg.

He noted there is no external pressure on the state leadership to fix a date, whether they choose to wait for the additional seats to be approved or to proceed otherwise.

The decision remains open and rests solely with the Premier. -

Idris, who is also the State Legislative Member for Muara Tuang, said as of now the state government is waiting for proposal to increase the number of state seats from 82 to 99 by Parliament, as provided for under the Federal Constitution.

He said the resolution has already been sanctioned at the state level while the final outcome now rests on the subsequent legislative processes in Putrajaya.

“Sarawak is experiencing significant growth in both population and developmental needs. Our territory is vast, and many rural areas are still in need of essential infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and schools,” he said when met by reporters.

He noted that increasing the number of elected representatives to 99 would ensure a more balanced distribution of development, creating a more comprehensive impact for the people.

 

16-year old teenager found dead, two days after he fell into a fast-flowing river

KUCHING, Fed 22 2026: The body of a 16-year old teenager who fell into a fast-flowing river at Kampung Kolong Sungai Tengah in Matang two days ago has been found late this morning.

Caption: Search party personnel find the body of the teenager late this morning - Photo by Bomba 

A search party found the body of Fahrell Zaquan Hasbullah floating on the river about 2.7km from the spot he was seen to have fallen into the river about 11.20am on Feb 20.

Petra Jaya Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) station said the body was later taken to Kampung  Sungai Tengah Mosque.

The station said the family members confirmed that the body was that of the teenager and was later handed over to the police for further action.

It said it received a call about 4.35pm on Feb 20 that the teenager had fallen into the river while he was playing with a friend.

According to information from the friends, during the incident the victim and a friend were playing on the riverbank before falling into the water and being swept away by the strong current.

The incident occurred at approximately 4pm, and that the victim was said to be shirtless, only wearing white long pants.

The search party consisted of personnel from the Petra Jaya station, Petra Jaya police, Civil Defence Department and the villagers.