KOTA KINABALU, Sept 15 — The Sabah government is providing RM1,000 in compassionate aid to each family evacuated to temporary shelters, and RM10,000 to the next of kin of those killed, following floods and landslides that have swept across the state since last week.
The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) said continuous rain since September 8 has displaced at least 863 people from 220 families across six districts, forcing them to seek refuge in 11 active Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS).
“To ease the burden of affected victims, every Malaysian head of household registered with the Social Welfare Department (JPKA) will be given a RM1,000 compassionate cash aid (BWI) if relocated to PPS, while families of victims who perished will be given RM10,000 in death assistance. The government will also provide food baskets to all affected residents.
“Local authorities and relevant agencies are actively monitoring, distributing aid, and coordinating logistics to ensure the safety and welfare of all victims,” said the commitee.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor today visited some of the worst-hit sites, including a landslide along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen near Jesselton Quay, Kampung Sarapung in Penampang, and two evacuation centres in Putatan — PPR Sri Keramat and PPS Sri Serigai.
The JPBN confirmed that four landslide incidents have already claimed lives in Kampung Sarapung, Penampang (one life), Marahang, Papar, (two lives), Kampung Mook, Papar (two lives) Kampung Cenderakasih, Inanam (seven).
“Rescue operations are being intensified for victims trapped by the landslides. Several key roads have also been cut off and require immediate intervention by the Public Works Department,” the committee said in a statement.
The state government is working with the Federal government, through NADMA, to mobilise additional support, including Bailey bridges, financial aid and other resources to ensure effective disaster management.
Food baskets will also be distributed to households affected by the disaster, while local authorities continue to monitor conditions, deliver aid and coordinate logistics to ensure safety at evacuation centres.
JPBN said all agencies under its command are operating at full capacity to deal with the widespread floods and landslides that have struck eight districts since last week.
