KUCHING: The delivery of aid to flood-affected areas will continue despite the difficulties faced by rescue teams due to persistently high water levels.

Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, stated that the process of delivering tents and essential supplies remains challenging as the floodwaters have not fully receded.

"Logistically, it is still difficult to deliver aid such as tents and basic necessities because the high water levels hinder the movement of trucks and boats.

"Although the situation has slightly improved, efforts to bring in more aid are still ongoing," she said when speaking to the media after visiting and surveying the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at Dewan Haji Kamarudin, Kampung Segedup, Batu Kawa, on Thursday.

She noted that a total of 61 victims from 32 households had been relocated to the centre.

Several organisations, including Petronas and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), have also provided food supplies to ease the burden of the victims.

"Two of the worst-affected areas are Kampung Surih (26 households/45 victims) and Kampung Segedup (6 households/16 victims).

"To ensure the welfare of the victims is well taken care of, the Social Welfare Department (JKM) has also deployed volunteers to assist, including entertaining the children at the evacuation centre," she added.

She also advised all displaced victims to register to ensure their eligibility for government aid, including a payment of RM1,000 for each affected family.

In a related development, she said that aid deliveries to flood-hit areas in Sibuti and its surroundings are also actively being carried out.

Dato Sri Nancy urged NGOs and individuals wishing to contribute to coordinate with government agencies to avoid confusion and ensure that the aid provided meets the actual needs of the victims.

"There have been cases where inappropriate items were received, which ended up being a burden on aid management.

"The Sarawak Government, through the State and District Disaster Management Committees, continues to ensure that aid is distributed systematically, with community leaders playing a key role in coordinating local needs," she added. -UKASnews