Fahmi Visits, Presents Aid To Disaster-hit MADANI Community Members, Ministry's Staff In Sabah

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil took time today to personally visit and distribute financial assistance to 219 members of the MADANI Community and the ministry’s staff in Sabah, aiming to ease their burdens after being affected by recent natural disasters.

Of the recipients, 160 are MADANI Community members from Penampang, Beaufort, Kota Kinabalu, Papar, and Tuaran; 56 are staff from departments and agencies under the Ministry of Communications; and three are from the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI).

Speaking to reporters after the event, Fahmi said the cash aid was intended to alleviate the hardships faced by disaster victims and demonstrated the government’s concern for the people.

“This is also part of the ministry’s social responsibility initiatives, providing immediate relief to those affected, in line with the principles of wellbeing and compassion embodied in Malaysia MADANI framework,” he said.

Continuous rains last week triggered floods and landslides across several areas in Sabah, claiming 14 lives, including one flood victim.

Meanwhile, many recipients expressed heartfelt gratitude for the financial aid, saying it would definitely help ease the difficulties caused by the disaster.

Fathin Alliza Jamal, 38, a programme producer at RTM Sabah, shared her appreciation for the government’s concern and support, especially Fahmi’s personal visit to the victims, particularly those within the ministry.

“I’m truly grateful for the assistance. My family and I, who live in Kampung Langsat, Kinarut, have often been flood victims since 2017, but this is the first time we received financial aid...probably because we have never been evacuated to the temporary relief centre before,” she said, adding that her family suffered losses exceeding RM5,000 due to the recent flood.

Another recipient, Ricky Richard, 54, a MADANI Community member from Kampung Kibabaig, Penampang, also expressed his gratitude, noting this was the first financial help he had received despite being a repeat flood victim.

“My house is often flooded, though not as severely as others. Water would rise up to my knees, requiring time to clean up and resulting in damaged belongings.

“Therefore, this contribution not only uplifts our spirits but also helps to cover costs for essential items damaged in the floods. Thanks to the government, and we hope more parties will come forward to assist,” he added.

-- BERNAMA