Kota Kinabalu: State Secretary Datuk K.Y. Mustafa said the public should take precautionary measures against tidal waves even though Sabah was spared from devastation in Sunday's earthquake in Indonesia and the accompanying tsunamis as a result of being shielded by Sumatra and the peninsula.Apparently referring to the mostly immigrant squatter settlements along Sabah's coasts, he said:
"Every step should be taken to safeguard lives. Avoid being on beaches as we can see that most of the lives lost were along beaches in Penang and Langkawi. It is better to be on higher ground."
Mustafa, who also the National Security Division (BKN), Sabah Branch Chairman told the public not to be alarmed but be alert in obtaining the latest information.
He said BKN's operations room has been activated. "It is open from 8am to 8pm and can be reached at 088-238350.
"Although only open for a half a day, the operations room is regularly in communication with BKN headquarters in Kuala Lumpur and other related departments such Police, Meteorological Services Department and Mineral and Geoscience Department, among others," he said.
Mustafa called on people residing in the East Coast, especially in Lahad Datu, to take extra measures in ensuring their safety.
"The public in the East Coast should be more aware as Lahad Datu had recorded tremors in previous years," he stressed.
He said if ever an incident like this happened near the East Coast, the effect could be dire and without precautionary steps taken, the consequences might be potentially worse.
"The relevant agencies are regularly monitoring the situation and would continue to update us," Mustafa said.
The Meteorological Services Department did not report any abnormalities in their latest report he said, while the Department of Environment will be constantly monitoring oil platforms off Sabah.
On whether Sabahans were trapped in any of the tsunami-hit areas, Mustafa said that up to date, no reports had been received.
Acting Director of the Mineral and Geoscience Department, Alex Yan, advised the public to avoid rivers or streams as the tsunamis can surge upriver.
In the tropical storm Greg tragedy in 1996 which claimed 300 lives, most of the victims could not save themselves because their squatter homes were too close to the river.
