PENAMPANG: Relevant State Government agencies have been urged to immediately address the plight of an 83-year-old woman whose home was badly damaged during the major flood in the district in 2024.
Community activist Jennifer Tugung said Irene Chang Lee Thiam from Kampung Hubah is living in unsafe conditions, with her kitchen, located just a few feet from the Moyog River, at risk of collapse.
She said the ground-floor kitchen wall collapsed during the flood, while several belian pillars supporting the upper floor were washed away, leaving only wooden planks to hold the structure.
Jennifer said Chang lacks the financial means to carry out repairs on her own, prompting concerned residents to highlight her situation to the authorities.
She urged the authorities to consider listing Chang under the eKasih programme to enable her to qualify for an SMJ house and or monthly welfare assistance.
However, Jennifer stressed that the immediate priority was urgent repair works to prevent further damage or a possible tragedy should another major flood occur.
Meanwhile, Penampang Warisan Women Information Chief Agnes Kinsil said Penampang Warisan would do its best to assist by bringing the case to the attention of relevant agencies.
She said as the State Opposition, Warisan had no access to UPPM, JKKK or Sentuhan Kasih, but felt a responsibility to help on humanitarian grounds.
Agnes said the family had previously raised the issue with a representative from a ruling party but no assistance had been forthcoming, prompting acquaintances to seek Warisan’s help.
She acknowledged that the house is located on a riparian reserve but said this should not be used as a reason for inaction, noting that residents in similar areas had previously received PPRT assistance.
Agnes called for the District Office, Public Works Department and Social Welfare Department to conduct immediate technical and welfare assessments and provide interim emergency aid, including structural reinforcement, building materials or temporary relocation if needed.
She said the matter concerned public safety and humanitarian responsibility and should not be politicised.
Those who visited Chang included Jennifer, Warisan Central Strategic Communication Director Christopher Masudal, Warisan Penampang Division Chief Jeffrey Leiking, Agnes Kinsil and division committee members Annie Thaddeus and Michael Tann Jr.
