Sarawak has identified 679 temporary evacuation centres for the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon, while its welfare department has activated a disaster aid operations room to coordinate assistance. Supplies have been stocked at the Samarahan Central Storage Depot and smaller depots in Mukah, Kapit, Miri and Lawas. The preparations also involve 12 divisional and district welfare offices and 23 disaster forward bases. Identifying centres is a readiness measure, not a notice that all 679 are open or that residents have been ordered to evacuate. Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah outlined the arrangements at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Oct 20. She said disaster assistance spending had reached RM23.71 million as of September, RM10.1 million above the original allocation, because prolonged drought had increased demand for clean water. The ministry reported assistance for 499,859 people affected by drought, floods, fires, storms and landslides. That is the coverage figure in the spending update, not a count of people currently in evacuation centres. For communities facing water shortages, clean-water deliveries remain part of the relief response; for the coming monsoon, the update describes the locations and logistics being readied for emergencies.

Seventy-five storm-hit families in Kuching South have been allocated RM107,000 in Sarawak government disaster aid, separate from the council’s RM1,000-per-family support. The assistance was announced at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) chamber on October 2 for households whose homes were damaged in the late-August storm. The RM107,000 is the total state allocation for the 75 families, not a flat payment of that amount to each household. Approved state assistance will go directly into recipients’ bank accounts through the Social Welfare Department. MBKS helped identify affected residents within its jurisdiction, prepare supporting documents and submit applications; the department handled verification and payment processing. The application process included a police report. The council’s own Caring Programme provides an additional RM1,000 to each affected family. That payment and the state disaster allocation are two different channels of help with repair costs and damaged belongings; they should not be treated as one council-funded grant.

Sarawak has recorded RM1.35 million in disaster assistance this year, covering 258 cases and 7,722 people affected by five types of disasters. The figures, presented at a Kuching aid handover on Sept 25, cover storms, fires, landslides, floods and drought. Fire victims accounted for the largest allocation: RM636,300 across 92 cases involving 422 people. Flood assistance totalled RM331,710 for 1,714 people in 14 cases. Officials said support is assessed from each household's profile and needs. It can include food, clothing, bedding, small-business assistance and building materials, rather than one uniform package. The announcement did not specify a new application window or a standard cash amount, so affected households should check with the Social Welfare Department about their own case.

Kuching South residents whose homes were damaged by recent strong winds can register with MBKS for possible disaster assistance. MBKS is collecting each household's full name, MyKad number, address, contact number and photographs of the damaged roof. The council will compile the applications and send them to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), after its councillors, community leaders and staff help with forms and site assessments. Residents can register through MBKS WhatsApp at 011-1988 5962 or by email at [email protected]. Councillors and community leaders are also helping reach households, including residents who were away when the council visited. SDMC has yet to announce any assistance amount or approval outcome. Affected households should keep clear damage photos and supporting details ready when they contact MBKS.