Hajiji And Safar Untong Visit Flood, Landslide Evacuees In Penampang, Putatan

PENAMPANG, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong conducted a site visit today to assess the conditions of flood and landslide victims housed at temporary relief centres (PPS) in Penampang and Putatan.

A statement from the Chief Minister's Department said they began the visit at the Kampung Sarapung PPS at 5.30 pm before proceeding to a centre in Putatan.

Despite heavy rain, Hajiji insisted on witnessing the situation first-hand to demonstrate his concern for the victims' welfare and to personally distribute government assistance.

At the Kampung Sarapung PPS, Hajiji was briefed by Penampang Municipal Council deputy president Normi Dyena John Tren before distributing aid packages to 40 heads of household.

The Chief Minister stated that the assistance, which included cash and food baskets, was provided by the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) to alleviate the burden on those affected by the floods and to ensure their well-being is safeguarded throughout their stay at the relief centre.

“The state government is always prepared to provide immediate assistance to the people through JBPN, especially during this period of continuous heavy rainfall,” he said in the statement.

“The government will not compromise on the welfare of the people. Every disaster victim will receive appropriate assistance to ensure they do not feel marginalised,” he added.

He also extended his gratitude to government agencies, security forces, and volunteers for their tireless efforts in managing the PPS and safely evacuating flood victims.

He emphasised that close cooperation from all parties is crucial to ensuring that the safety, comfort, and welfare of the people remain top priority during such natural disasters.

"The State Secretary, who chairs the JBPN, and I conducted a ground inspection to assess the flood and landslide damage, to better understand the situation.   

"The government will distribute aid within the next day or two. All flood and landslide victims will receive assistance from both the state and federal governments. The State Welfare Foundation will also be assisting,” he said. 

He reminded all elected representatives and District Disaster Management Committee chairmen to closely monitor the situation in their respective areas.

He described the disasters affecting several districts in Sabah as particularly severe this time, with widespread flooding and landslides impacting many residents and areas.

"It is not just flooding; landslides have also occurred, and power and water supplies have been cut off. This is why we have cancelled tomorrow's Malaysia Day celebrations, as we are prioritising help for the victims," he stated.

Hajiji also expressed his appreciation and thanked the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) for providing RM10 million in disaster relief aid to Sabah.

This assistance was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and is in addition to the RM11 million allocation provided by the state government. 

-- BERNAMA