KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has ordered all District Disaster Management Committees (JPBD) to be activated immediately, especially in flood-prone areas, following the current unpredictable weather.
He said the step was crucial to ensure preparedness remained at the highest level while speeding up coordination between security agencies, technical departments and local authorities in the face of possible natural disasters.
With the activation of the JPBD, Hajiji said relief efforts could be mobilised faster, including rescue operations, evacuation of victims and provision of basic needs at temporary shelters.
He also reminded residents to remain alert to weather warnings issued by the Meteorological Department and to comply with official instructions to avoid risks to safety.
As of noon on Friday, the State Disaster Management Committee reported that 379 victims from 123 families had been moved to evacuation centres in Beaufort and Penampang.
In Beaufort, 149 victims from 53 families are now placed at the Selagon relief centre, while in Penampang, 230 victims from 70 families have been moved to three centres – Penampang Sports Complex, SK St Paul Kolopis and Huguan Siou Hall.
