“Sarawak prepares for Northeast Monsoon 2026 with 7,000 personnel, 20,000 volunteers, and 12,000 assets to tackle floods and protect communities.”
Sarawak, 30th September 2025, 10.15am – Sarawak is on high alert as the state prepares for the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season, expected to take place between November 2025 and March 2026. Authorities have mobilised more than 7,000 frontline personnel, over 20,000 volunteers, and nearly 12,000 logistic assets to respond to potential floods.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said a total of 7,407 personnel from security and rescue agencies, including the police, State Health Department, Social Welfare Department, Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, and the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), have been deployed.
“We have 3,637 land assets, including multi-purpose vehicles; 8,619 water assets, such as boats; and 14 air assets, including helicopters and drones. In addition, 22,428 volunteers have been mobilised to serve as field support staff,” Uggah said after chairing the State Disaster Management Committee meeting today.
Strengthening Community Preparedness
Uggah, who also chairs the State Disaster Management Committee, stressed the importance of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The team, made up of village and longhouse committees, has been trained to carry out initial rescue efforts in remote areas where access is limited.
“This is crucial because some locations are very far from rescue services. Residents are trained to take early action to save lives and property,” he explained, noting that floods typically occur between January and March in Sarawak.
Relief Centres and Aid Distribution
Authorities have identified 658 temporary relief centres across the state. The Social Welfare Department has also prepared a depot in Kota Samarahan and 28 forward bases to store food supplies and other essentials, ensuring faster aid distribution during emergencies.
Uggah added that residents must inspect the condition of relief centres, and any damage should be repaired immediately. The Public Works Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department, and local authorities have been tasked with monitoring roads, slopes, and hilly terrains prone to landslides, following previous incidents in Miri.
Field Operations and Safety Measures
The Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) will lead field operations, working with the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (IBET) to strengthen disaster response at the grassroots level.
Uggah reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring comprehensive disaster preparedness. “We are taking proactive steps to safeguard lives and property as the Northeast Monsoon approaches,” he said.
