Kota Kinabalu: The State Government welcomed the allocation of approximately RM25 million from the Federal Government for the immediate repair of infrastructure damaged or destroyed by floods, landslides and fires in Sabah and Sarawak.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the assistance is crucial in helping to repair damaged infrastructure affected by the floods that have hit several districts in the State since early this week.
“This assistance will certainly help alleviate the burden on flood victims while also facilitating the repair of flood-damaged infrastructure.
“The State Government would also like to express its gratitude to the Federal Government for this swift assistance,” he said in a statement, Friday.
The suspension bridge in Ranau that gave way on Thursday afternoon.
Hajiji said the State Government is fully prepared for the Northeast Monsoon Disaster with 14,209 personnel from various rescue and security agencies mobilised.
“Among them are the Royal Malaysia Police, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force, Rela and others.
“The total logistics deployed amount to 1,456, covering land, water and air transportation.
“In addition, all District Officers, who serve as Chairpersons of the District Disaster Management Committees (JPBD), have had their leave suspended to ensure preparedness in facing the monsoon season,” he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to all personnel involved in rescue operations and the relocation of victims to safer locations during the floods.
The number of flood victims in Sabah and Sarawak continued to increase with 11,886 people at relief centres (PPS) in both states as of 8pm Friday.
In Sabah, the number of flood victims increased to 5,725 (1,475 families) this evening, from 2,240 in the morning.
The Sabah disaster management committee said 34 PPS have been opened in 10 districts to accommodate the victims.
Kota Marudu recorded the highest number of flood evacuees, totalling 2,355, followed by Telupid (413), Lahad Datu (360), Pitas (379), Kota Belud (297), Beluran (185), Sandakan (118), Paitan (120), Beufort (102) and Tongod (54).
In Sarawak, the number of flood victims increased to 7,503 (2,096 families), up from 5,385 this morning, Bernama reported.
The secretariat for the Sarawak disaster management committee said Bintulu recorded the highest number of evacuees, totalling 1,922 people, followed by Serian (1,882), Selangau (728), Tatau (426) and Kuching (402).
All the evacuees are being accommodated at 49 PPS in the state.
In SANDAKAN, hundreds of motorists were affected when heavy overnight rain caused flooding at KM70, before the Sapi-Nangoh roundabout on the Sandakan route, making the Telupid-Sandakan road impassable to all vehicles.
The Emergency Response Team (ERT) from the Pan Borneo Highway Project, Package 30, had been on-site to monitor the situation.
According to Beluran Fire and Rescue Station Chief Edoen Macheal, a significant number of vehicles were stranded from both directions.
The Civil Defence Force (APM) in Kinabatangan issued a statement that those travelling along the Sandakan-Tawau route were also affected, particularly in the area between CH 147+700 to CH 148+000, at the Kinabatangan/Lahad Datu district border.
The ERT from the Pan Borneo Highway Project, Package 23, has been monitoring the situation in the area.
In BELURAN, District Officer Roger Appolonius, who also chairs the Beluran District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD), declared the opening of the Beluran Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB) following flooding in several villages.
Similarly, Celestine Jetony, the District Officer of Telupid and Chairperson of the Telupid District Disaster Management Committee, announced the opening of a PKOB in Telupid.
She said following assessments of affected areas and homes that were deemed unsafe for habitation, a Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) was established.
A vehicle carrying a family including two children were trapped in flood waters in Kg Paris 2, Kota Kinabatangan, Thursday morning.
Kinabatangan Fire and Rescue Station Chief Nurul Azlan Shah Jamalludin said all four victims were safely taken out of the vehicle.
A landslide occurred at the Pecky Valley housing estate on Wednesday and residents were advised to evacuate. Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station Chief, Severinus Sainkui said at least three houses were unfit for habitation while a few living downhill evacuated the same day.
In KOTA MARUDU, five temporary evacuation centres (PPS) were opened to accommodate 1,083 victims, including 384 heads of households.
District Officer and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD), Meirin Sugara, said the figure was based on data collected since the PPS opened on Wednesday at 2pm.
The number is expected to continue rising as the registration and relocation process is ongoing.
In RANAU, residents of Kg Lungkidau, Paginatan were cut off after the suspension bridge connecting the village collapsed due to the river water rising rapidly after continuous heavy rain.
The newly completed bridge that was opened on Nov. 14 only lasted for two months.
The incident that occurred after continuous rain for several days prompted the Police, Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Force to be at the scene in preparation for any eventuality.
Initially the residents of Kampung Lungkidau, Paginatan and nearby communities were advised to be careful and not use the suspension bridge.
Ranau PDRM advised residents to stay away from low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.
They are also told to avoid non-essential travel, especially in areas identified as being at risk of flooding or landslides.
“Prepare emergency supplies such as clean water, food, and flashlights to deal with possible power outages.
“Check the drainage system in your home and make sure there are no obstacles to allow water to flow smoothly.
“If you live in an area at risk of flooding, be prepared to evacuate immediately if instructed by the authorities and bring important documents,” a statement from PDRM said.
Residents are also reminded to take care of their own safety and that of their families and always follow instructions and warnings from local authorities or security agencies.
In LAHAD DATU, three temporary relief centres have been set up that are currently housing 440 victims.
The victims, all from 121 families, are being sheltered in the three centres: PPS AVTC Segama, PPS SMK Terusan and PPS Lahad Datu Vocational College.
The first evacuation centre, PPS AVTC Segama, was opened on Jan. 29, with PPS SMK Terusan also opening its doors the same day.
The third centre, PPS Lahad Datu Vocational College, was opened on Jan. 30 in response to the rising number of flood victims.
Head of the Community Development Leaders Unit (UPPM) Segama, Datuk Mizma Appehdullah, said among villages in Segama that had been affected by the floods were Kampung Segama Batu 8, Kampung Ulu Segama, Kampung Bukit Belacon, Kampung Lituk Pulau, Kampung Cocos, Kampung Tawaiyari, Kampung Sepadulang, Kampung Simpang Sayur and Kampung Pandising.
He said UPPM Segama along with the District Disaster Management Committee, the Welfare Department and various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are working together to provide assistance to those affected.
UPPM Segama is also involved in efforts to rescue victims trapped in their homes by the rising waters and move them to the PPS.
“We have distributed food baskets and essential items to the flood victims, and we hope more organisations will come forward to offer further assistance,” he said.
Mizma, when met after visiting a local church housing some flood victims, reminded residents to stay alert to the current situation.
“The community must always prioritise safety. If the water level continues to rise, move to a safe location immediately and follow the authorities’ instructions,” he said.
He also advised residents to protect important items such as documents, medicines and basic necessities first.
“Be cautious of floodwater, and do not allow children to play in flooded areas as this poses a significant safety risk. Most importantly, contact emergency services if help is needed for further action,” he added.
