PENAMPANG: The Penampang Municipal Council (MPP) estimates losses reaching hundreds of thousands of ringgit every time the district is hit by floods, depending on the scale and duration of the disaster.
MPP President Noemi Dyena John Tren said the losses not only involve damage to property and public amenities, but also include operational costs, assistance to victims, as well as the use of logistics and council assets throughout the disaster period.
“Four-wheel-drive vehicles are heavily used to evacuate victims, deliver food supplies and basic necessities, as well as monitor affected areas. This indirectly increases fuel, maintenance and vehicle repair costs,” she said.
She also said MPP is responsible for the preparation and management of 21 Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) opened to accommodate victims. Among the aid provided are food, drinks, clothing, mattresses, pillows and blankets.
To ensure the health of victims is taken care of, teams of medical doctors are sent to all PPS. In addition, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) provides Compassionate Cash Aid (Bantuan Wang Ihsan) of RM1,000 to every head of household registered at the PPS.
For victims whose homes were completely destroyed, the State Government provides the construction of SMJ Houses (Rumah SMJ), she said.
Regarding mental health support, Noemi said there are currently no psychiatrists provided at the PPS. However, several experts from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have come forward to provide emotional support and encouragement to the victims.
Commenting on her experience meeting victims at the PPS, Noemi said she could not deny the deep sense of pity and sadness she felt upon seeing the plight of the disaster victims.
Nevertheless, she expressed pride in the strength of the victims, who remained calm in facing the hardships that befell them.
“The residents of Penampang are already accustomed to floods. They are prepared and know where to go when a disaster occurs,” she added.
Among the worst damage recorded each time flooding strikes are damage to bridges and roads, landslides and the loss of victims’ property.
The most heartbreaking tragedy occurred last year, involving the death of an elderly resident in Kg Sarapung Kolopis due to a landslide. The victim, who was paralysed, could not be saved in time, while his wife survived only to pass away a few days later.
To address the recurring flood issue, MPP is currently collaborating with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) to implement flood mitigation projects.
“Among the measures is widening and deepening rivers to increase water-holding capacity and reduce the risk of overflow into residential areas,” she said.
In addition, cleaning and maintenance work on drainage systems is carried out regularly to prevent drains from becoming clogged with rubbish and mud, which can cause flash floods.
“Efforts to widen rivers and maintain drainage systems are crucial steps. Cooperation between MPP, JPS and related agencies is vital for the safety and well-being of Penampang residents,” she said, adding that these measures are important in reducing the impact and risk of floods in Penampang.
Penampang is affected by floods almost every year and has recorded up to four floods in a single year. The government stated that overall, it incurs losses reaching tens of millions of ringgit every time the disaster strikes.
