Kota Kinabalu: The State Government is concerned about reports of floods and landslides and has ordered the immediate activation of all District Disaster Management Committees (JPBD), particularly in flood-prone areas.
Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said this is to ensure optimum preparedness, while expediting coordination among security agencies, technical departments and local authorities in facing potential natural disasters.
“With activation of the JPBD, all forms of assistance can be mobilised more quickly, including rescue, evacuation of victims and provision of basic necessities at temporary evacuation centres,” he said in a statement, Friday.
He reminded residents to be alert to weather warnings issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department and to comply with directives from the authorities.
The State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) Secretariat said as at noon, Friday, some 379 victims from 123 families had been relocated to several temporary evacuation centres (PPS) in Beaufort and Penampang.
In Beaufort, 149 victims from 53 families are currently housed at PPS Selagon.
In Penampang, 230 victims from 70 families have been moved to three PPS, namely the Penampang Sports Complex (83 people), SK St Paul Kolopis (50 people) and Dewan Huguan Siou (97 people).
Overall, the evacuees at PPS comprised 127 adult men including senior citizens, 139 adult women including senior citizens, while the remaining 113 are children and infants.
“Do not take the risk of staying in hazardous areas. The safety of your family must be prioritised. The Government will ensure that food, logistics and other essential aid continue to be channelled to all victims,” the Chief Minister said.
A landslide buried a semi-permanent two-storey house in Kg Sarapung, Penampang, at about 6.10pm Thursday, killing a 97-year-old man.
