PENAMPANG, Sept 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today visited several areas here and in Kota Kinabalu, which were affected by recent floods and landslides that have claimed 14 lives and displaced thousands.
Accompanied by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Anwar arrived at Country Heights at 2.55 pm and spent about 30 minutes surveying the landslide site and meeting with residents affected by the disaster.
The landslide, which occurred on Monday, forced the evacuation of over 30 homes as a precautionary measure.
At 3.25pm, the prime minister proceeded to the temporary relief centre (PPS) at SMK St Paul Kolopis, where he was welcomed by Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also the Member of Parliament for Penampang.
Anwar spent around 15 minutes there, interacting with evacuees before heading to the PPS in Kampung Sarapung, where he spent another 30 minutes meeting residents and receiving a briefing on the September 12 landslide incident in the area, which claimed the life of a 97-year-old man.
Anwar later visited another landslide site at the Gaya Teacher Education Institute (IPG) campus in Kota Kinabalu at 4.30pm and spent 30 minutes inspecting the damage.
The prime minister’s empathy was evident as he personally asked residents about their needs and listened to their concerns, including health-related issues.
His recurring assurance to victims was simple: “Don’t worry, we’re doing everything we can to help all of you.”
According to the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee, a total of 2,256 individuals from 710 families are currently housed at evacuation centres.
To date, landslides in the state have claimed 13 lives, while one person has died due to flooding.
Frankie Dahing, 60, from Kampung Kolopis, said he was touched by Anwar’s presence and concern.
“We’re truly grateful for the government’s concern, especially the prime minister’s. His visit and the aid provided have definitely eased our burden,” said Frankie, who has been taking shelter at the SMK St. Paul Kolopis PPS since Tuesday.
Lorina Giliti, 32, from Kampung Kambazan, said meeting the prime minister for the first time was a moving experience.
“We are so thankful for the help provided, but what touched us the most was that the prime minister himself came to see us. I’m grateful I had the chance to shake his hand,” she said.
Amber Isaac, 25, from Kampung Sarapung, also shared her appreciation for the prime minister’s visit to one of the hardest-hit areas.
“Our village was among the worst affected. The main road was blocked by landslides for up to three kilometres. Yet the prime minister made the effort to come all the way here. It means a lot. This is the kind of leader we truly admire,” she added. — Bernama
