PAPAR: A total of 332 temporary relief centres (PPS) have been identified in Sabah to house victims of natural disasters, especially the flood victims, for this year and next.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Duties) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (pic) said this is necessary following a transition phase of the Northeast Monsoon since Sept. 19 until November.
Armizan said all the PPS consisting of school halls or classes, community halls, multipurpose hall and community centres, among others, can accommodate up to 129,096 people.
“This is the latest report I received from the State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr. Safar Untong who chaired the State-level Committee of Disaster Management.
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“The number of PPS has been increased as a vigilant measure based on the Northeast Monsoon report for 2022 and 2023 where 103 PPS had been activated involving 17,565 victims from 5,650 families in the 15 districts,” he said.
Armizan, who is also Papar MP, said this after officiating a Networking of Civilised Community programme at a school hall in SMK Pengalat, Sunday.
“Jualan Rahmah” was also conducted at the compound of the school as part of the event as well as exhibition booths of government department and agencies.
Also present were Limbahau Assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim, UiTM Sabah Rector Professor Madya Dr Rozita @ Uji Mohammed, community leaders, Papar District Officer Mohd Fuad Abdullah and UiTM students.
“Floods struck Beaufort on Sept 22 involving 231 victims placed at its PPS but now they have returned to their homes.
“Following this, I am urging all district disaster management committees to be alert and ensure they are fully prepared and coordinate well with other agencies for better synergy of cooperation when their respective districts are hit by flood. I am calling on them to do it immediately.
“This includes NGOs in districts that wish to be involved and enhance the preparedness with the committees when dealing with floods,” he said.
At the same time, Armizan also reminded local authorities and relevant departments to clean up all clogged drains in residential parks and in villages. “Make sure the drains are not filled with rubbish.”
He said such coordination is important to prevent a bigger impact of flooding disaster.
On supplying retort food for some districts severely affected by floods, he said, the Social Welfare Department has received the funding and he is awaiting a full report.
He said the government has channelled funding to upgrade PPS, especially the toilets, after the previous monsoon transition phase ended.
“We are grateful that recently the Ministry of Education provided RM70,000 for each school to repair and upgrade toilets and works will begin this October. I hope these can be prepared soon.
“This will help disaster management committees as everyone in the PPS need better toilets and showers. I was made to understand the next phase would involve of repairing and upgrading showers, this is also important,” Armizan said.
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