Early Assistance Eases Burden Of Penampang Flood Victims

Oleh Fadzli Ramli

PENAMPANG, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Flood victims in the district have expressed their appreciation for the early assistance provided by the authorities and the local community, including food, shelter, blankets, and other essential items aimed at easing their burden.

A check by Bernama at the Penampang Sports Complex temporary evacuation centre (PPS) found that emergency aid was delivered in stages, with evacuation operations coordinated by the Penampang District Disaster Management Committee. Members of the public also came forward to help rescue essential items and clean up affected areas.

Juvinus Jimpin, 46, a tour van driver from Donggongon, said the hot meals and instant mats he received upon arriving at the temporary evacuation centre provided great relief after his house was flooded early yesterday morning.

“The children can rest, and my wife can attend to basic needs without having to worry about supplies,” he told Bernama.

He added that the PPS was well-prepared for his family and facilitated the distribution of essential items such as blankets, towels, flashlights, and basic medicines, helping to reduce stress - especially for the elderly and children.

The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), in a statement, said that 224 flood victims from 64 families were evacuated in Penampang this morning, while 154 victims from 53 families were evacuated in Beaufort.

Rosnita Gimbut, 33, a kindergarten assistant from Kibabaig, said that hygiene and children’s safety are the top priorities at the moment.

“The volunteers provided diapers, milk, and hygiene kits, which are very important to prevent waterborne diseases,” she said, also praising the coordination between volunteers and security agencies.

She expressed hope that the recovery process after the flood would focus on public health, clean water supply, waste management, and drainage, in addition to medium-term preventive measures such as unclogging drains and conducting community preparedness training.

Meanwhile, Terrence Lojing, 58, a trader from Penampang town, said that the reopening of main roads, particularly the Jalan Penampang-Tambunan, had facilitated the movement of clean-up teams and the delivery of supplies, especially to the worst-affected areas.

“Here, the local community and the authorities are working together to help the victims, evacuate them, and provide assistance.

“We don’t care about our backgrounds; we all step forward to help,” said Terence, who was moved to see members of political parties, including Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, Parti Warisan, Pakatan Harapan, and Barisan Nasional, working together to channel aid to those in need in Penampang.

-- BERNAMA