PUTATAN, Sept 18 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged residents in Sabah’s east coast districts to be prepared, including for possible evacuations, with strong wind squalls forecast to hit Sandakan and Lahad Datu in the next two to three days.
Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee, said the weather system had earlier affected the west coast and is now expected to shift eastward.
“This is not to cause panic, but to ensure readiness. If evacuation orders are issued, follow them and bring important documents with you,” he told reporters after visiting evacuees at the temporary relief centre (PPS) at the Taman Sri Keramat PPR Community Hall here yesterday.
“We thank the state and district disaster management committees, all involved agencies, especially the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), for their ongoing efforts. The key now is preparedness as we anticipate the winds moving toward Sandakan and Lahad Datu,” he added.
Also present during the visit were Sabah State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, who also chairs the Sabah State Disaster Committee, as well as Sabah Umno and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Earlier last night, Ahmad Zahid was briefed by Safar upon his arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, subsequently visited several temporary relief centres (PPS) in the Putatan district, including SMK Petagas PPS, PPR Taman Sri Keramat Community Hall PPS, Seringai PPS and Meruntum PPS.
He said the federal government is currently reviewing a list of flood- and landslide-damaged homes submitted by the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee to coordinate repair and reconstruction efforts.
“The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) has also been advised to carry out rewiring in damaged but still habitable houses to ensure safe power supply,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid further confirmed that government personnel and relevant agencies will be mobilised with necessary resources to assist affected communities.
On the same note, Ahmad Zahid said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to visit Sabah, likely the Penampang district, to meet affected residents and assess the disaster situation firsthand.
“I visited three districts today and will continue tomorrow. InsyaAllah, I will return on Saturday to visit other districts and coordinate clean-up efforts,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid added that the government will deploy water jets and tankers for cleaning operations and collaborate with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to support the efforts.
He expressed satisfaction with the coordination by disaster management committees at the state and district levels in assisting with the relocation of flood victims to temporary relief centres (PPS).
Regarding bridge damage caused by the disaster, Ahmad Zahid said reports have been received, particularly involving key daily-use bridges.
“We will work with the Public Works Department and the Malaysian Armed Forces to expedite repairs and build temporary crossings while assessing options for new bridge construction,” he said. — Bernama
