Shafie: Sabah to review logging as it contributes to flash floods

PENAMPANG: Sabah will review logging and consider speeding up flood mitigation projects to solve flash floods affecting the state.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said heavy logging was one of the factors that contributed to the flash floods that affected several districts in Sabah following continuous rainfall since Thursday (May 31).

“What’s important for us here is to figure out how to the release the flood waters, which grow stagnant, when colliding with sea water.

“It is one of the effects from heavy logging done in the past.

"And it’s one of the reasons why I have stopped the export of logs and will review the need for these activities,” Shafie told reporters at the Penampang flood operations centre here on Saturday (June 2).

Shafie recently announced in May the temporary ban on export of logs and also a review of all logging concessions and Forest Management Units (FMUs) in the state.

He had said that this is to ensure that all logging activities were done according to the rules to avoid further harm to forests, water catchment areas and wildlife habitats.

Shafie added that he had asked the minister concerned with public works to make a visit to Penampang, which is one of the areas severely hit by the floods, and see if there is a need to expedite the flood mitigation project, which is currently being carried out in phases.

On the flood situation, Shafie said as the weather showed an improvement today (June 2), many flood victims had been able to return home.

“We have prepared food and medical attention for them and facilitated the victims to go back to their houses.

“I’m very happy to hear from Moyog assemblyman Jenifer Lasimbang and Penampang MP Darell Leiking that there were many volunteers and contributions by the public to help the victims,” he said before making a visit to Sepanggar, another district hit by the floods.

Other than Penampang and Sepanggar, other affected areas include Papar and Kota Belud.