The Kampung Siaga programme is an effective measure to help people in rural areas, especially in longhouses and villages, to deal with natural disasters, said Datuk Wilson Ugak.

The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Duties) said the implementation of the programme will expose rural residents on how to deal with emergency cases and provide early assistance prior to the arrival of follow-up aid.

“Such measures will indirectly reduce the risk of loss of life or injury in the event of injuries sustained in a disaster,” he said when officiating at the Kampung Siaga 221 Programme at the longhouse of Maren Uma Jackson Wan in Sungai Tubau on Saturday.

Ugak said the programme indirectly provides a comprehensive approach for every longhouse resident on specific ways to save themselves,

A programme of this kind also definitely gives awareness to the local community to always be ready to face any possible disaster, which is in line with the functions of the Civil Defence Force (APM) as a rescue team and disaster management secretariat.

Datuk Wilson Ugak

including learning how to put out fires and save themselves in the event of a fire in the longhouse.

“A programme of this kind also definitely gives awareness to the local community to always be ready to face any possible disaster, which is in line with the functions of the Civil Defence Force (APM) as a rescue team and disaster management secretariat.

“It will provide training and public knowledge to the community in dealing with emergencies and disasters in detail and indeed provide great benefits to the population,” he explained.

Wilson at the same time expressed his appreciation and thanks to all parties involved, especially to Maren Uma Jackson Wan and the village development and security committee (JKKK) for hosting the programme.

APM chief commissioner Aminurrahim Mohamed, APM Sarawak director Abdul Wahab Rahim, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, and political secretaries to the Sarawak Premier, Michael Mujah Lihan and Kenil Jeraie were among those present at the event.