KOTA KINABALU: Funds allocated for the fireworks display at the state-level Malaysia Day celebration should be used to help flood victims, says Kapayan assemblyman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang.
Lasimbang said the planned fireworks display is inappropriate amid ongoing floods, as the resources could be better spent supporting victims.
The Sabah DAP vice-chairman voiced concern over recent floods and landslides across many districts in Sabah, caused by days of heavy rain, saying that holding a Malaysia Day fireworks display at such a difficult time is highly inappropriate.
She urged the government to show true empathy for the victims through concrete action.
Lasimbang said that continuous heavy rainfall has caused rivers to overflow, flooding low-lying areas and triggering multiple landslides and added that roads and infrastructure have been damaged, and some homes destroyed.
“Victims are either struggling to clean up their devastated homes or are forced to evacuate with whatever belongings they can carry to temporary relief centres,” she said.
Lasimbang said victims’ lives have been thrown into extreme hardship and suffering, and while Malaysia Day is worth celebrating, public sentiment would be hurt if the government insisted on staging fireworks.
It would raise doubts about whether the authorities truly prioritise people’s safety and well-being.
“What is urgently needed now is relief and reconstruction, not a short-lived fireworks display,” she said.
Lasimbang suggested that funds allocated for fireworks should instead be channelled into a disaster relief fund to help affected families purchase essential goods.
The funds could also be used for urgent repairs of flood- and landslide-damaged roads, bridges and drainage systems.
“If these funds are used for rebuilding infrastructure, it would bring tangible improvements to post-disaster conditions and ease the burden on victims,” she said.
Lasimbang added that the true spirit of celebration lies not in dazzling fireworks but in people being able to spend the festive day safely and peacefully with their families.
“When victims are still struggling in the mud and floodwaters, any display of festivity feels like a cruel irony to them,” she pointed out.
In addition to her public appeal, she has been tirelessly visiting disaster-hit areas, meeting affected residents and accompanying Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to inspect landslide sites and assess the severity of the damage.
The Kapayan constituency office is actively raising donations from the public to purchase food baskets and essential items for urgent distribution to affected areas.
Lasimbang called on those who are able to help to contact Alison Wong (+6014-3514466) for details.
