Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah State Government is willing to review and consider any proposals that could benefit the people, including those concerning disaster management at the district level, said Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Titingan.
He was responding to a suggestion from Datuk Jonnybone Kurum, who proposed that the state government equip district offices which functions as the District Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB) with logistics equipment such as boats and outboard engines.
He also urged for basic cooking facilities to be provided at Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS).
“Any initiative that brings benefit and serves the welfare of the people will certainly be given due consideration by the government.
“If there is a need, as raised by the Telupid assemblyman, the matter can be formally channelled through the District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD) for consideration by the state government,” Nizam said during the question-and-answer session of the State Legislative Assembly sitting on Thursday.
Earlier, Jonnybone highlighted that Telupid currently lacks crucial assets such as boats and engines, which are vital for efficient disaster response. He called for the matter to be addressed urgently.
“Is there any plan from the ministry to supply boats and outboard engines to district offices?
“In Telupid, we rely heavily on the Fire and Rescue Department and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (JPAM), but they too face equipment shortages. Assistance often has to come from Kinabatangan, Beluran or Sandakan,” he said.
He also proposed that PPS centres be equipped with kitchen facilities or at least basic cooking tools to enable evacuees to prepare meals while awaiting aid from welfare agencies.
Earlier, Nizam explained that Disaster Management Committees at both state and district levels across Malaysia are bound by Directive No.1 issued by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
Under this directive, disaster victims are eligible for the Compassionate Aid (BWI) amounting to RM1,000, provided they have been evacuated or registered at a PPS by officers from the Social Welfare Department (JPKA) in their respective districts.
The registration must also be verified by the JPBD chairman before the application is submitted to the Chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN).
Nizam was responding to a query from Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee (SAPP–Nominated Assemblyman), who urged the state government to reassess Nadma’s mechanism, as some victims had registered but were unable to move to PPS centres, making them ineligible for current forms of assistance.