Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor handing over aid to flood disaster victims at the Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at Dewan Sri Serigai, Putatan on Monday.
PENAMPANG (Sept 15): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor on Monday visited flood and landslide victims housed at Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) in Penampang and Putatan, pledging immediate assistance from the State and Federal Governments.
He began his visit at the PPS in Kampung Sarapung at 5.30pm, where victims of both floods and landslides are currently sheltered, before proceeding to Putatan later in the evening.
Despite heavy rain, Hajiji said he wanted to personally see the victims’ condition to show his concern for their plight while handing over government aid.
At the Kampung Sarapung PPS, Hajiji was briefed by Penampang District Council deputy president Normi Dyena John Tren before distributing assistance to 40 heads of households.
The aid — comprising cash and food baskets — was channelled through the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) to help ease the burden of those affected by the floods and ensure their welfare throughout their stay at the PPS.
Hajiji said the State Government, through JPBN, is always prepared to provide immediate assistance to people affected by disasters, especially during prolonged rainy seasons.
“The government will not compromise when it comes to the people’s welfare. Every disaster victim will be given appropriate assistance so that they do not feel neglected,” he said.
Commenting further on his visit, Hajiji said he and the JPBN led by State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong wanted to closely observe the flood situation at several affected locations.
“We are physically on the ground to understand what is happening so that we know the extent of floods, landslides and so on, and can assist the victims involved.
“The government will provide aid within the next one or two days. All flood and landslide victims will receive assistance from the State and Federal Governments. The State Welfare Foundation will also extend aid,” he told reporters.
He also reminded all elected representatives and District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD) chairpersons to closely monitor the disaster situation in their respective areas.
Hajiji described the disaster that has struck several districts in Sabah as particularly severe this time, with floods and landslides affecting many residents and areas.
“It’s not just floods; there are also landslides and disruptions to electricity and water supplies. This time it’s quite bad. That is why we have cancelled the Malaysia Day celebration tomorrow because we are more concerned about helping victims in the affected districts,” he said.
In Putatan, the Chief Minister also visited flood victims at the PPS Dewan Seri Keramat in Ketiau, handing over assistance to 40 affected households, before proceeding to the Dewan PPR Seri Serigai to meet 56 households sheltered there.
Hajiji also expressed appreciation and thanks to the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) for providing RM10 million in disaster aid to Sabah.
The assistance was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as an addition to the RM11 million allocation provided by the State Government to address natural disasters affecting the people of Sabah.
Earlier, Hajiji also inspected the landslide at Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, opposite the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Tanjung Lipat.
The field visit was joined by State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew, State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Safar Untong and Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Mohd Razali Wahab.
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