KOTA KINABALU: Flood victims statewide, especially in the worst-hit areas of Paitan, Kota Marudu, Pitas and Sandakan, are urged to refrain from taking unnecessary risks and to prioritise their safety.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said all flood victims must listen to and abide by instructions from rescue agencies and local authorities carrying out evacuation and other rescue work.
“I convey my deepest sympathies to all affected, but rest assured the state is doing its best to evacuate, rescue and arrange assistance for victims,” he said in a Facebook post on Friday (Feb 20).
Hajiji said all response teams have been mobilised to the flooded areas.
Sugut assemblyman Datuk James Ratib has instructed his ground team to arrange food assistance for stranded and displaced villagers in Paitan since early Friday.
“We are making sure that basic necessities are also sent in as soon as possible,” he said, adding that the safety of everyone remains their priority.
Several temporary shelters have been opened, including SMK Simpangan, Binsulung Hall, Kaindangan Mosque, the Batangon Darat relief centre, Dewan Tangkarason (Kg Baru), SK Lubang Buaya, Puru Batu Church, and the Simpangan and Batangon Laut mosques.
Kota Marudu, Pitas and Paitan have been declared flood disaster zones.
