PAPAR: The Federal Government announced plans to set up several permanent evacuation centres (PPK) in flood-prone areas in Sabah, starting with building one in Bongawan, this year.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the location of PPK Bongawan will be finalised in discussions with the State Secretary and the District Officer, following visits to seven temporary relocation centres (PPS) in the West Coast.
“I found that the need for a PPK in Bongawan is urgent as the area is frequently hit by floods.
“We will provide facilities not only such as toilets and bathrooms but also cooking areas for volunteers under the Social Welfare Department to prepare meals,” he told reporters after visiting a community centre in Kg Mook, Kinarut, and extending condolences to those affected by the landslide in the village which claimed the lives of Emily Johnny, 38, and her son, Zarell Myre Aristhothie, 11, on Sept 15.
Upon arriving at the State Capital on Wednesday, the Umno President visited seven temporary relief centres (PPS) in districts struck by recent floods such as Putatan, Papar, Bongawan, Membakut and Beaufort.
As of Sept 18, 13 deaths have been recorded in landslides in the West Coast and one Sabah Electricity worker still missing in Keningau. Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said construction of PPK Bongawan will begin this year as the allocation is already available.
“Although we must follow government procedures for the funding disbursement, we will expedite the process as much as possible.
“The new PPK Bongawan will be built based on existing template designs but with improvements in size and amenities,” he said.
Zahid said the new PPK would also serve as a community activity hub during non-flood seasons, bringing additional benefits to local residents.
He added that discussions would also be held on setting up similar PPK in other districts across Sabah, depending on allocations from the Finance Ministry to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).
Zahid said there had also been requests for new homes to replace those destroyed in recent floods and landslides.
“Applications have been made under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) and Federal People’s Housing Project (PPRS) schemes, which will be reviewed under my Ministry.
“We are prepared to assist in building new houses and repairing fully damaged ones,” he said.
Zahid also extended condolences to the families of three landslide victims, a mother, father and child, whose funerals will be held Thursday evening.
“On behalf of the Malaysian Government, I would like to convey our deepest sympathies to the families. I also thank the State Government, district office, NGOs and all agencies for their swift action in rescue operations and in retrieving the victims’ remains,” he said.
To a question, Zahid said the coordinated disaster response in the seven flood-hit districts in Sabah could serve as a model for future disaster management operations.
Asked about two houses that collapsed Thursday morning despite improved weather over the past two days and measures to address future natural disasters, he said the Federal and State governments are working closely with the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG) to identify several areas where precautions are needed, and action will be taken based on their advice.
