While most Malaysians celebrate Chinese New Year with family and festivities, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing spent the first day of the holiday wading through floodwaters to help evacuate victims in Sarawak.
A viral video circulating on social media showed the Minister personally assisting stranded residents, including the elderly, women, and children, as floodwaters continued to rise.
In some areas, water levels reached the second floor of residential buildings, leaving many trapped inside their homes. 
Coordinated Rescue Efforts
As rescue teams worked around the clock, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) activated its 24-hour emergency response mechanism to mobilise assistance.
According to the Sarawak Tribune, the Minister expressed his gratitude to SDMC and various agencies—including the Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysia Civil Defence Department, military, and police—for their swift action in evacuating victims.
Minister Raises Concerns on Facebook
Additionally, he took to Facebook to shed light on the severity of the floods, describing how three days of continuous heavy rain had left many parts of Sarawak submerged.
He shared details about the struggles faced by victims, the efforts of the rescue teams, and the need for urgent infrastructure improvements to prevent future disasters.
Poor Drainage Worsened Flooding
While the heavy rain played a major role in the disaster, the Minister pointed out that poor infrastructure exacerbated the situation.
He specifically mentioned the drainage system at Sungai Sebiew, which failed to discharge excess water efficiently, leading to rapid river overflow.
It is reported that he has been pushing for the deepening and widening of Sungai Sebiew for nearly five years, but no progress has been made.
He urged authorities to take immediate action, stating that the river must be deepened by at least three to five metres and widened to 100 metres to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Sarawak faces worst flood in a decade
According to Sinar Harian, Sarawak is experiencing its worst flood in ten years. The disaster has affected multiple districts, including Bintulu, Serian, Samarahan, Kuching, Miri, and Sibu.
Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin warned that continuous heavy rain could lead to more landslides, urging residents in mountainous areas to remain cautious.
Urgent Action Needed
For many Sarawakians, the floods were especially devastating as they struck during Chinese New Year. Homes that had been decorated for the festivities were left in ruins, and families were forced to take shelter in relief centres.
For those in need of assistance, the Minister urged residents to contact him directly or his Special Affairs Officer, Steven Kong Kai Seng.
Watch the video here:
Tiong King Sing spent the 1st day of CNY assisting flood victims in Bintulu
byu/UsernameGenerik inmalaysia
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
“If You Need to Pee, Tell the Rider”—Thai Passenger Urinates on Motorbike Taxi
Young Boy Prays for Grab Driver with Tourette’s Syndrome, Melts Hearts
13-Year-Old Rescue Dog Leads Deputy to Save Her 84-Year-Old Owner
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
