KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has welcomed the RM25mil federal aid to repair infrastructure damaged by floods and landslides in Sabah and Sarawak, which have displaced thousands of residents.
He described the assistance as crucial for repairing infrastructure that will help affected residents recover from floods since the start of the week.
“This aid will help alleviate the burden of flood victims and repair damaged infrastructure. The state government thanks the federal government for this immediate support,” he said in a statement on Friday (Jan 31).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the allocation during his speech at the Majlis Kenduri Rakyat in Ipoh on Friday.
The allocation also includes RM1,000 for each affected family.
Hajiji also stated that the state government is prepared for the East Monsoon Disaster, with 14,209 personnel from various rescue and security agencies deployed.
“The police, Fire and Rescue Department, Malaysian Civil Defence Department, RELA, and others are involved. A total of 1,456 logistics resources, including land, sea, and air, are available.
“District officers, as chairs of the District Disaster Management Committees, have had their leave frozen for the East Monsoon Season,” he said, expressing gratitude to all personnel and volunteers involved in rescue and evacuation efforts.
As of noon on Friday, the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee Secretariat reported 5,725 victims from 1,939 families across 73 villages.
The affected areas include Beaufort, Kota Marudu, Paitan, Beluran, Kota Belud, Lahad Datu, Tongod, Telupid, Sandakan, and Pitas.
Since Wednesday (Jan 29), 39 Temporary Evacuation Centres have been activated across the state.
Some shelters are expected to close after inspections confirm that affected areas and homes are safe for return.
