PETALING JAYA: All response agencies have been mobilised to step up search and rescue operations in Sabah.
Floods and landslides have hit six districts, leaving more than 860 people evacuated to temporary shelters.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Penampang, Beaufort, Membakut, Papar, Putatan and Tawau were the worst-affected districts.
He said 220 families were forced to evacuate.
He said a Sabah State Disaster Management Committee meeting was convened on Monday, chaired by State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong.
The meeting was to coordinate immediate action alongside the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma)’s director-general, department heads and district officers.
"I urge search and rescue teams to prioritise locating those buried in landslides while also evacuating flood victims," Zahid, who is also chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee, said in a statement today (Sept 15).
He added that the Public Works Department was working to reopen the Penampang–Tambunan road, which was cut off by landslides.
He said the Irrigation and Drainage Department was carrying out clearing and mitigation works to reduce the risk of further flooding.
Utility recovery efforts are also under way, with Sabah Electricity directed to restore disrupted power supply.
The Sabah Water Department was tasked to provide clean water to affected areas.
Zahid also thanked non-governmental organisations and local communities for extending humanitarian aid such as ready-to-eat meals, daily necessities, blankets, mattresses, pillows and logistics support.
"These efforts have helped ease the burden of victims and supported relief operations on the ground," he said.
While Sabah remains the worst-hit, Perak, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan have also reported floods.
Zahid said 194 people were evacuated in Muallim, Perak.
This was followed by 53 in Hulu Selangor and Hulu Langat, Selangor, and 50 in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
He reminded the public to stay alert by preparing emergency bags, moving to higher ground when instructed, and ensuring children do not play in floodwaters or near rivers and drains.
Residents were also urged not to touch electrical equipment or exposed cables during the floods.
Zahid said he prayed for the affected states to recover soon.
He asked Nadma, as secretariat to the Central Disaster Management Committee, to continue monitoring all government and NGO aid so victims can rebuild their lives after the disaster.
The National Disaster Control Centre, which operates 24 hours daily, will continue to monitor weather conditions and issue warnings to response agencies and district officers as needed.
For verified updates, the public can visit www.portalbencana.nadma.gov.my.
