PENAMPANG – The Sabah government is providing RM1,000 to each family evacuated to the temporary flood relief centre here to alleviate their financial burden.
The aid is for families who have been placed at the shelter at the Penampang Cultural Centre, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor.
As of 1pm today, the centre is housing 67 families, amounting to 165 victims, including 19 senior citizens, 33 children and five babies.
Hajiji said the federal government, through Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is Penampang MP, will also be lending a hand.
“At the same time, the state government would also consider assisting those who are not evacuated to the temporary shelter but whose houses have been badly damaged by the floods,” he told reporters after visiting the temporary shelter today.
Hajiji said he has instructed all local authorities throughout the state to be on high alert given the rainy season.
“Make sure all the drains are cleared up. Do not wait until it rains before taking action. We want to mitigate and must be prepared at all times,” he said.
It has been learned that 11 villages around the Penampang district were submerged on Sunday following continuous heavy rain.
A woman died after being swept away by floodwaters near the roundabout in Donggongon while she was attempting to help other flood victims.
Hajiji, accompanied by Ewon, state secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Safar Untong, Assistant Works Minister Datuk Limus Jury, and Internal Affairs and Research Secretary Datuk Awang Shaminan Sahari, visited flood-stricken areas in Kg Tuavon and Hungab today. – July 1, 2024