KOTA KINABALU: The state government should consider evacuation centres equipped with basic necessities to help people stay longer amid uncertain weather conditions, Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said.
As there is a growing concern over the prolonged uncertainties with the weather, he said a more comfortable, safe and well-equipped evacuation centre should be provided for people in the high-risk areas.
"Simply advising residents to evacuate from at-risk areas is not enough.
"As the death toll from landslides continues to rise, I urge the government to provide temporary comfort and safety," he said after meeting with people affected by the landslides at Kg Mook in Kinarut, about 40km from here.
He said such landslides can also happen even after the rains stop, emphasising why it is important for the government to assess such areas before allowing people back to their homes.
"In these times of potentially prolonged bad weather, it is essential to take immediate measures such as slope monitoring, installation of early warning systems and deployment of heavy machinery to strengthen landslide areas.
"I also urge that a study and mapping of high-risk areas throughout Sabah be carried out immediately," he said on Monday (Sept 15).
Shafie said that residents need to know the risk level of their villages, and emergency contingency plans should be established in each vulnerable area.
At the same time, he said the government needs to devise a safe housing scheme as a long-term option for families who are unable to evacuate on their own.
"Sabahans cannot continue to live in fear every time heavy rain falls.
"Tragedies like this must be a lesson, and mitigation measures must be taken decisively before more lives are lost," he added.
