Personal perspective: Ahmad Zahid listening to Aristotle Jude Joseph and Xavier Junior Aristotle who lost two family members during a visit to landslide victims at Kampung Mook in Papar.
KOTA KINABALU: A permanent disaster relief centre will be built in Bongawan under the Papar district in view of regular flooding incidents in the area, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the exact location would be determined after a meeting between the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and state officials.
He said the proposed relief centre could also be used for recreational and community activities during off-disaster periods and will be equipped with amenities such as bathrooms and a cooking area.
“Similar relief centres are also being considered for other districts but the number will depend on the allocation given by the Finance Ministry to Nadma,” he said after visiting displaced landslide victims in Kampung Mook, Papar.
The Deputy Prime Minister said there were also calls for the government to provide houses for victims most affected by floods and landslides, especially those that were totally damaged.
“There will be further discussions to address these requests,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said the federal and state governments are working with the Mineral and Geoscience Department to advise residents living at disaster or landslide-prone areas on their next course of precautionary action.
Earlier, when visiting landslide and flood victims, Ahmad Zahid conveyed his sympathies and condolences to those who lost their loved ones to the disaster earlier this week.
“We thank rescuers and volunteers from the various agencies and non-governmental organisations for their swift and efficient response in aiding victims.
“We should take this as a template for future rescue and emergency rescue initiatives,” he said.
