When people think of emergency response, they often picture firefighters, police officers, and paramedics rushing to the scene. While these frontline responders are crucial, emergency management extends far beyond them. In Sarawak, effective disaster response is a multi-faceted effort that includes government agencies, community volunteers, engineers, infrastructure specialists, and mental health professionals. Each plays a role in protecting lives, safeguarding property, and ensuring long-term recovery after a crisis.
This article will explore the often-overlooked emergency teams within Sarawak’s government agencies, focusing on their roles in mitigating disasters, restoring essential services, and strengthening the state’s disaster resilience.
Why Emergency Response Extends Beyond First Responders
A truly effective emergency response system involves multiple sectors, each contributing expertise to address different aspects of a crisis from short-term solutions to long-term recovery efforts:
- Specialised Skills & Resources – Some emergencies require expertise beyond first aid, such as hazardous material handling, structural damage assessment, and mass casualty management.
- Community Involvement & Preparedness – Local preparedness, including education on emergency procedures, flood mitigation efforts, and community response training, plays a key role in disaster resilience.
- Infrastructure & Logistics – Disasters disrupt roads, water supply, and electricity, requiring engineers, utility providers, and transportation coordinators to ensure rapid recovery.
- Long-Term Recovery & Support – Beyond immediate relief, communities need assistance rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods, and addressing mental health impacts.
- Interagency Coordination – Seamless cooperation between disaster management authorities, public utilities, and local governments ensures efficient resource deployment.
Sarawak’s Growing Climate Challenges
As global climate patterns shift, Sarawak faces increasing risks from natural disasters, particularly floods. With an annual average rainfall of 3,830 mm—1,000 mm more than the Malaysian average—the state is highly susceptible to extreme weather events. Some inland areas, such as Long Akah near the Baram River, receive over 5,000 mm of rainfall annually.
Although average rainfall levels have remained consistent, monsoon seasons are becoming more intense, leading to unpredictable river flow and frequent flash floods. Coastal regions are especially vulnerable, with heavy rainfall coinciding with king tides, causing severe water-logging. By 2050, low-lying areas along the Sarawak River, including parts of Kuching City, may experience floods up to 4 meters deep due to rising sea levels and extreme rainfall.
These worsening climate conditions highlight the critical role of infrastructure and utility agencies in disaster management. While frontline responders manage immediate emergencies, public works departments, water management authorities, and energy providers are essential to rebuilding and maintaining essential services post-disaster.
Disaster Coordination and Logistics: Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (JPBN Sarawak)
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (JPBN Sarawak) plays a pivotal role in coordinating emergency responses, particularly in managing flood relief efforts. Its primary focus is to ensure timely and effective assistance to affected areas by integrating the efforts of multiple government agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysia Civil Defence Force, the military, and the police.
JPBN Sarawak operates a 24-hour emergency response mechanism to guarantee prompt aid distribution to communities in need. This system ensures that assistance, ranging from evacuation to resource allocation, is delivered efficiently.
Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) and Asset Deployment
The committee is responsible for establishing and managing Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS). These centres provide flood victims with shelter and essential aid, ensuring that their basic needs, such as food, medical assistance, and sanitation, are met.
Additionally, JPBN Sarawak maintains a fleet of water and land-based assets, including boats, vehicles, ambulances, helicopters, and drones, which are crucial in disaster response operations. These resources enable rapid mobilisation and effective disaster relief efforts, particularly in remote and severely affected areas. Disaster victims are then provided with essential supplies such as food, medical kits, and other necessities from established disaster forward bases and storage depot for immediate distribution.
Collaboration with Humanitarian Organisations
JPBN collaborates with organisations such as the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) Radio to provide communication access in remote flood-affected areas. This initiative ensures that affected communities remain informed and can request assistance when necessary.
A sub-group under the State Crisis Management Committee, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Sarawak, promotes community involvement in disaster preparedness and emergency response efforts. CERT plays a crucial role in training local communities on emergency measures and early warning systems.
Public Works and Infrastructure — JKR Sarawak’s Role in Emergency Response
The Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak plays a crucial role in emergency response, particularly through its Building & Specialist Services Sector, ensuring infrastructure safety and functionality. The Electrical Branch ensures electrical installations meet safety standards and statutory requirements.
JKR Sarawak provides updates on road disruptions and closures via social media (Facebook, TikTok) and WhatsApp (011-70171777). They also issue official advisories on road conditions during floods. While no specific emergency protocols are detailed on their website, news reports highlight their role in disaster response.
During disasters, JKR actively engages in damage assessment and immediate repairs. For instance, in January 2025, Sarawak’s Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, directed JKR to prioritise repairs on flood-damaged roads, including Jalan Mambong, where nearly half the road was cut off. To ensure continued connectivity, JKR provided alternative routes where possible.
Pre-disaster preparedness is another key responsibility of JKR. For instance, components for an 80-metre Bailey bridge were delivered by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) in late January 2025 to bolster infrastructure resilience. JKR, in collaboration with the Armed Forces’ Engineering Corps, was tasked with installing the bridge within 72 hours after conducting a terrain suitability study for its placement at Sungai Bale, Mulu.
Despite these initiatives, infrastructure challenges persist, particularly in Baram, where deteriorating log bridges and culverts require urgent upgrades. Similarly, damage to the steel bridge at Sungai Baleh disrupted access to villages, schools, and clinics. JKR constructed a temporary log bridge to restore connectivity, ensuring essential services could continue, though its stability remains a concern.
Moving forward, five major bridge projects are slated for completion by the end of 2025:
- Batang Rajang Bridge (Sarikei)
- Sungai Lingga Bridge (Sri Aman)
- Sejingkat Bridge (Kuching)
- Batang Lupar 1 Bridge (Sebuyau)
- Batang Saribas 1 Bridge (Pusa)
The recently completed Jepak-Bintulu Bridge, now open to the public, is expected to enhance connectivity and stimulate development in surrounding areas such as Jepak, Tanjung Kidurong, Samalaju, and Tanjung Batu.
Water Supply and Management: A Look at Key Agencies
Managing water supply during disasters like floods requires a careful balance. Water treatment plants in flood-affected districts may have to halt operations if floodwaters contaminate processing facilities. This is because untreated water must be carefully examined and treated with the correct chemical composition before it is deemed safe for consumption. Until floodwaters recede, treatment plants in affected areas remain non-operational, while unaffected plants continue supplying water to ensure service continuity in other regions.
Meanwhile, all water supply agencies, including Jabatan Bekalan Air Luar Bandar Sarawak (JBALB), Kuching Water Board (KWB), and LAKU Management Sdn Bhd, deploy water tankers stocked with clean water for affected residents, provided that access roads remain open. These agencies also keep the public informed of distribution schedules through announcements via official websites, radio, and other media.
Water Supply Enhancement Initiatives
Beyond emergency response, Sarawak has several long-term initiatives to enhance water supply management, ensuring both emergency preparedness and sustainability:
- Sarawak Water Supply Master Plan – Incorporating the Sarawak Water Grid System, this plan ensures sustainable and uninterrupted water supply with short-term (until 2025), medium-term (until 2040), and long-term (until 2070) strategies. The Sarawak government has allocated RM4.6 billion for 407 water-related projects under this plan.
- Clean Water Supply Coverage – The state has successfully achieved 85% clean water coverage, including rural areas, as part of its commitment to improving accessibility.
- Amalgamation of Water Supplies – Smaller water supply systems are being merged into Regional Water Supplies to improve efficiency and reliability.
- Modernisation of Water Supply – New technologies and advanced water treatment chemicals are being adopted to enhance the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of water treatment and distribution.
Electricity and Telecommunications Management in Sarawak
In Sarawak, emergency response for telecommunications and utilities is overseen by the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT). Key agencies such as Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Kuching Water Board (KWB), and Sibu Water Board (SWB) play critical roles under MUT’s jurisdiction. The ministry is responsible for assessing utility damage and losses caused by disasters, particularly floods, and collaborates with relevant agencies to gather accurate data and implement recovery measures.
During emergencies, power shutdowns are sometimes necessary for safety reasons. Sarawak Energy provides updates via its website and social media platforms to keep the public informed. For instance, in mid-March 2025, SEB implemented an emergency power shutdown in several areas, including Kanowit, Song, and Kapit, due to rising floodwaters. Supply restoration would only occur once floodwaters had receded, as substations in inundated areas must be inspected to prevent electrical hazards such as fires or electrocution.
The agency also worked closely with the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to support flood relief efforts, extending aid to 209 affected families in Sebuyau. Similar assistance was provided earlier in February in collaboration with local authorities in Miri and Bintulu to distribute essential supplies to flood-hit households.
Electricity Supply Enhancement Initiatives
Beyond emergency management, significant initiatives are underway to strengthen Sarawak’s electricity infrastructure.
In late March 2025, the Sarawak government approved RM150 million to upgrade the electricity supply in the Samarahan division. The project, scheduled to commence in the second quarter of the year, includes installing Medium Voltage Covered Conductor (MVCC) technology to replace existing bare conductor distribution lines. Extensive vegetation clearing along a 68km stretch of the 33kV main overhead line from Asajaya Substation to Sebuyau was completed in preparation for these upgrades.
Additionally, the State government has allocated RM425 million for further electricity infrastructure improvements in Lundu, Betong, Lubok Antu, Sungai Asap, and Lawas. These enhancements aim to ensure greater reliability and resilience in power supply across Sarawak’s diverse regions.
Drainage and Flood Management in Sarawak
The Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak (DID Sarawak) plays a crucial role in monitoring flood-prone areas and operating flood mitigation projects such as drainage systems and flood barriers. As one of the key agencies responsible for preventive measures against flooding, DID Sarawak is tasked with reducing flood risks and issuing early warnings to coordinate response efforts.
Flood Mitigation and Ongoing Projects
As of late March 2025, Phase 4 of the Sibu Flood Mitigation Project (FMP) has been opened for tender. Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang, has stated that the final phase (Phase 5) is projected to be the most effective, with an estimated cost of RM400 million – the most expensive phase under the Sibu flood mitigation programme.
The Malaysian government has implemented a mix of emergency interventions and long-term flood mitigation projects. The 2024 national budget allocated RM50 million for flood retention pond repairs and RM20 million for local authorities to carry out drain repairs and upgrades. For 2025, RM150 million has been allocated to local authorities and DID Sarawak, while RM300 million is designated for the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) for flood preparedness. So far, eight flood mitigation projects have been completed nationwide, with 12 more in progress.
In Sarawak, the Sungai Sarawak Integrated River Basin Development Project (PLSB) was initially approved in 2016 under the 11th Malaysia Plan with a RM150 million allocation. However, the project was delayed following the 14th General Election in 2018 when the newly elected Pakatan Harapan (PH) government placed it under review. It was eventually re-approved in 2020, and tenders were called in late 2023.
Technological Advances in Flood Management
Without a comprehensive drainage maintenance strategy, flood-related damages and losses are merely being postponed. Understanding that past drainage designs were based on historical rainfall data, which may no longer be effective due to climate change. To address this, DID introduced an updated Hydrological Procedure 26 (HP26) in 2018, incorporating the Climate Change Factor (CCF) developed by NAHRIM in 2013.
The Sarawak Urban Stormwater Management Guideline (SUStoM), now in its third edition, promotes a control-at-source approach for stormwater management, including subsurface detention systems to temporarily store and gradually release stormwater, preventing overwhelming of drainage systems.
Still, a one-size-fits-all approach is not viable across Sarawak. Sibu’s peat-based terrain leads to water-logging and misalignment of drains, while Bintulu’s proximity to the sea causes back-flow issues during high tides. These unique challenges necessitate localised flood management strategies tailored to each region’s geographical and environmental conditions.
Sarawak’s commitment to disaster preparedness and emergency response reflects a proactive and coordinated approach to safeguarding its communities. Through the efforts of agencies like the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), emergency response teams, and collaborative partnerships with the federal government and private sector, the state continues to enhance its resilience against floods, landslides, and other natural calamities. The swift mobilisation of resources, establishment of forward bases, and allocation of relief funds demonstrate a structured and effective response system designed to minimise the impact of disasters on affected communities.
However, disaster response is not the sole responsibility of government agencies. As highlighted by Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, safeguarding Sarawak’s critical infrastructure and assets requires a collective effort. Public awareness and civic responsibility play a crucial role in mitigating risks and ensuring that vital infrastructure remains protected. By fostering a culture of shared responsibility and preparedness, Sarawak can strengthen its disaster response capabilities and build a more resilient future for all.
References:
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