The Sabah government has decided to cancel its state-level Malaysia Day celebrations in view of the flooding and landslides that have occurred following thunderstorms in the state.
Chief minister Hajiji Noor said the state government’s immediate priority was to manage the crisis, coordinate recovery efforts and ensure rescue operations are carried out quickly.
“In this time of difficulty, the well-being, welfare and security of the people are of utmost importance. We must direct all focus and resources to those affected,” he said in a statement.
Hajiji also ordered the state disaster management committee to always be on full alert and ready for action in case the situation worsens.
He added that the committee is currently holding a meeting to get the latest updates on the situation and coordinate action in the seven affected districts.
Heavy rain in Sabah has caused floods in Penampang and Beaufort, with over 400 people evacuated to shelters. A 97-year-old man also died after his home in Kampung Sarapung, Penampang, was hit by a landslide.
This morning, a landslide in Kampung Cenderakasih, Kota Kinabalu, is said to have buried seven people following torrential rain since last night.
The floods have also led to electricity and water cuts due to the shutdown of power stations and water treatment plants.
This prompted Sabah DAP to urge Putrajaya to cancel its planned Malaysia Day celebrations tomorrow and channel its resources to aid Sabahans affected by the situation.
