Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has praised NGOs and the public for coming to the aid of flood victims in several parts of the country.
Zahid said these good samaritans provided ready-to-eat meals, daily necessities, blankets, mattresses, pillows, and other logistical support, Bernama reported.
“This has significantly helped to alleviate the burden on the victims and supported relief efforts,” he said.
Zahid also said he had directed agencies involved in search and rescue operations to prioritise the landslide and flood victims in Sabah.
The state has experienced a series of worsening floods, landslides, and fires across six districts since Sept 9, significantly damaging critical infrastructure and utilities.
As of 4.30pm, 863 evacuees from 220 families were housed at nine temporary relief centres.
Penampang is the worst hit with 425 victims, followed by Beaufort (177) and Tawau (59).
Zahid also said that Sabah’s public works department is prioritising repair work on Jalan Penampang-Tambunan following a landslide.
“We are clearing debris, stabilising the hill slope, and repairing the road as fast as we can,” he said.
He also said the Sabah irrigation and drainage department is carrying out clearance and mitigation work to reduce the risk of water overflow.
Earlier this evening, it was reported that nine people have died from two landslides in Kota Kinabalu and Papar.
Perak, meanwhile, has registered 194 evacuees at two relief centres, while 50 evacuees have been reported in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
Selangor has 53 evacuees, with 29 in Hulu Selangor and 24 in Hulu Langat.
