Govt’s Priority Is To Ensure Sabah Disaster Victims Receive Immediate Aid – PM Anwar

From Mohd Fharkhan Abdul Ghapar

DOHA, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the government’s top priority now is to ensure all initial aid is swiftly delivered to flood and landslide victims in Sabah.

He said the situation is being closely monitored by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the state government and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Dr Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is personally following developments on the ground.

Anwar also instructed that the full machinery of the Federal Government be mobilised to support the Sabah government and district authorities in handling the disaster.

“We express our deepest concern and sorrow over what has happened, particularly for the victims who lost their lives and the many families affected by the destruction of property, homes and damage to public facilities.

“Early action must also be expedited, especially involving public facilities such as minor roads, schools, health clinics and others,” he told Bernama and RTM before attending the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit here today.

At the same time, Anwar extended his condolences to the families of victims who perished in the disaster.

Nine people were reported killed in two landslides in Kampung Cenderakasih, Kota Kinabalu and Kampung Mook, Papar today following continuous heavy rainfall since last night.

In addition, 863 people from 220 families have been relocated to temporary relief centres across four flood-affected districts in Sabah — Penampang, Beaufort, Membakut and Tawau — as of this evening.

Earlier, Anwar approved an immediate allocation of RM10 million through NADMA to assist flood victims in the state.

He said the amount is in addition to the RM11 million already channelled through the state government for urgent repairs of essential facilities in the affected areas.

-- BERNAMA