KOTA KINABALU: Flood victims statewide, especially in the worst hit areas of Paitan, Kota Marudu, Pitas and Sandakan, are urged to refrain from taking any risks and to put safety as a priority.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said all flood victims must also follow the instructions from rescue agencies and local authorities carrying out evacuation and rescue works.
“I convey my deepest sympathies to all affected, but rest assured the state is doing the best it can to evacuate, rescue and arrange for assistance to victims,” he said in a Facebook post.
Hajiji said response teams have been mobilised to flooded areas while the state is closely monitoring all updates to ensure aid is extended to those needing it in a timely and efficient manner.
Sugut assemblyman Datuk James Ratib has instructed his ground team to arrange food assistance for stranded and displaced villagers in Paitan since early yesterday.
“We are making sure that basic needs are also sent in as soon as possible,” he said, adding that the safety of all remains their priority.
As of now, several temporary shelters have been opened and they include SMK Simpangan, Binsulung Hall, Kaindangan mosque, Batangon Darat relief centre, Dewan Tangkarason (Kg Baru), SK Lubang Buaya, Puru Batu church and the Simpangan and Batangon Laut mosques.
Meanwhile, Kota Marudu, Pitas and Paitan have been declared flood disaster zones.
On Thursday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a severe and continuous rain warning for several areas in the state.
In a statement, department director-general Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said that a severe-level warning has been issued for the Sandakan (Beluran) and Kudat (Kota Marudu and Pitas) areas.
An alert-level continuous rain warning was issued for the west coast (Ranau and Kota Belud), Sandakan (Telupid and Sandakan) and Kudat.
