PAPAR: The State Government’s immediate focus is on helping people affected by disasters, particularly in the ongoing landslide and flood situation in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said political issues, including talk of dissolving the State Assembly or the possibility of state elections, should not take precedence over the welfare of the people at this time.
“Now is the time for all parties, regardless of background, to put aside differences and help people affected by natural disasters, particularly landslide and flood victims.
“Dissolution (of the State Assembly) is not something we are considering right now. Our priority is to extend help.
“In the face of this calamity, everyone, including government agencies, must mobilise to extend help,” he told reporters at Dewan Raya Tandugal, Kg Mook, Kinarut, Wednesday.
Hajiji, who was accompanied by several State Cabinet Ministers and assemblyman, visited Aristhotle @ Jude Joseph who lost his wife Emily Johnny, 38, and son, Xarell Myre Aristhotle, 11, when their house in Kampung Mook was struck by a landslide during heavy downpour on Monday.
During the visit, Hajiji was visibly moved, wiping away tears several times as he listened to the grieving families recount their ordeal.
He also presented contributions to Aristhotle to repair his house before visiting the tragedy site.
“Two families (in Kg Mook and Kg Tuntul, Marahang, Papar) have lost their loved ones. So, I and the entire state leadership express our deepest sympathies and sorrow over what had happened,” he said.
Hajiji echoed the call by Sabah Governor Tun Musa Aman, urging all quarters to put aside political differences and work together in assisting the victims.
“This is the time to show unity and that political differences should not matter,” he said.
He said both the State and Federal governments had begun distributing assistance, including RM1,000 in compassion cash aid (BWI) for flood victims relocated to temporary shelters, and RM10,000 for the next of kin of those who lost their lives. “We will assist with their homes, funeral arrangements and other needs. Support will not only come from the State and Federal governments but also from Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah (YKS).
“RM10,000 in financial assistance has been given to each family of landslide victims, with an additional RM10,000 contributed by Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah.
Apart from visiting landslide victims in Kg Mook, the Chief Minister also visited several areas badly affected by landslide and floods in Kg Tuntul Marahang before heading to Beaufort, Bongawan, Penampang and Kota Kinabalu.
Thereafter, he proceeded to Dewan Kg Marahang, Papar, where he met Benney Binjamis @ Emis whose wife Wong Moi Ling @ Meymey, 34, and his two children Kamey Asphereynda Benney, 10, and Christen Kell Benney, 6, were killed when their house in Kg Marahang Tuntul was hit by a landslide on Monday morning. Hajiji also presented contributions to Benney and his family.
Later, Hajiji went to the Salagon Permanent Relocation Centre (PPK) in Beaufort where he presented aids to flood victims comprising 83 families and to another 56 families at Bongawan community hall.
In the afternoon, Hajiji went to inspect the Country Heights housing and Gaya Teachers’ Training Institute which were also affected by landslides.
