Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s think tank, the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah), (IDS) has launched a Disaster Monitoring Hub (D-Hub) to streamline and facilitate disaster response efforts.
According to IDS statement, the initiative, which started last year and in collaboration with over 20 volunteer organisations and NGOs across Sabah, is part of IDS’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme to ensure a more systematic approach to disaster aid.
“The D-Hub platform is designed to enhance coordination between various volunteer organisations during disasters.
“By working together in a more organised manner, the platform aims to optimise resources, minimise wasted efforts, and prevent situations where certain areas or individuals are overlooked or receive excessive aid.
“D-Hub also serves as a crucial link between volunteer groups and the official disaster coordination committees in each district, ensuring that volunteer efforts align with the authorities’ instructions, needs, and protocols,” said in the statement, here, recently.
IDS conducted the first D-Hub mission by providing aid to Keningau residents affected by flash floods on Feb 5, 2025 and continuous heavy rainfall led to flash floods in several areas, including Keningau Town, resulting in the temporary closure of several water treatment plants in the affected areas.
The statement said this situation caused a shortage of clean water supply, and temporary evacuation centres were established to accommodate the affected residents.
After consulting with the Chairman of the Keningau District Disaster Management Committee and understanding the critical situation, it said IDS dispatched assistance on Feb 7 to alleviate the burden on the affected residents.
On Feb 10, IDS dispatched “Hero Meals” aid to the Beaufort District, led by IDS Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Ts Dr Ramzah Dambul. In response to the urgent needs arising from the disaster, D-Hub, with support from Kembara Kitchen and CIMB Foundation, which provided ready-to-eat meals to those affected.
IDS thanked Ui Lim Cheah for assistance in making this initiative a success.
IDS expressed gratitude to all parties involved in this effort and remains committed to continuing to assist communities in need throughout Sabah.
The collaboration between volunteer bodies and NGOs through D-Hub is expected to make disaster relief efforts in Sabah more efficient, timely, and impactful, thereby alleviating the burden on disaster victims.
