KOTA KINABALU: Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan has urged the federal government to immediately approve RM900 million for critical flood mitigation projects in Sabah, calling the recent tragedy that claimed 13 lives a wake-up call.
“We cannot allow this to recur without firm action. People cannot continue living in fear every time it rains heavily,” he said.
The recent floods and landslides killed seven in Kampung Cenderakasih, Kota Kinabalu; three in Kampung Marahang Tuntul, Papar; two in Kampung Mook, Papar; and one in Kampung Sarapung, Penampang.
Jeffrey also noted that a Sabah Electricity worker was swept away while on duty and remains missing.
“He is the symbol of sacrifice of a son of Sabah, serving to ensure others still have electricity even in disaster,” he said.
He added that projects such as the Moyog River development packages in Penampang have been long identified but federal funding has been repeatedly denied since RMK11.
“The lives of Sabahans must come first,” Jeffrey stressed.
