THE State Government donated 30 boats and outboard engines costing RM360,000 to the Sabah Police Contingent to help in operations during floods in the State.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said the boats would be used by police during flood operations in 10 districts in the State that are usually affected by floods.
“We hope this contribution can facilitate more police operations in the event of floods in Sabah. This is the Government’s commitment in assisting the security forces, especially the police,” said Hajiji, who is also the Finance Minister, during the handing over of the donations to Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah here on Mar 23.
At the same ceremony, Hajiji handed over the Sabah flag and donations to participants of “Everest Expedition 2022, Journey to the Top by Sabahan” and witnessed the presentation of donations from Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) to the next of kin of national heroes killed in the Sulu terrorist incident in Lahad Datu in 2013.
He said the contribution to the victims’ next-of-kin was a commitment by government agencies to help ease their burden after the victims were killed while defending the country.
“Besides, we also handed over the Sabah flag to athlete Adelinah Lintanga, the first Sabahan woman who will participate in climbing Mount Everest next April. We are confident she will reach the summit of Everest and be able to fly the Sabah flag there,” said Hajiji.
Adelinah, 37, said she was mentally and physically ready to conquer the highest peak in the world.
T Ravichandran who once conquered the summit of Everest, will lead the climb.
He said the cold weather and altitude would pose a great challenge to the climbers but he believed that all climbers, especially Adelinah, could face the challenge.
“I and four other climbers, including Adelinah, will start the climb on April 15 and are expected to reach the summit of Mount Everest at the end of May. We will return to Malaysia on June 2,” he added.
Meanwhile, Idris thanked the State Government for the donation and said the boats would be extremely useful in police efforts to assist flood victims.
“With the boats, we can enter shallow waters and reach the victims’ houses, it is very practical,” he said, adding the donations made to the victims’ next-of-kin in Tanduo would help alleviate the burden on the affected families.
“Families who have lost the head of the family have also lost resources, so this assistance will be able to alleviate their burden,” he said
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