KOTA KINABALU: Disaster relief machinery must suit local geography, says Sabah DAP Wanita chief Datuk Jannie Lasimbang.
During her recent visit to the flood-hit northern district of Pitas, she said field workers struggled to reach many areas because of hilly terrain, narrow access routes and shallow waterways.
“In such conditions, fibreglass boats are less practical because their weight and limited manoeuvrability slow aid delivery and can affect rescue efforts when response time is critical,” she said.
The former Kapayan assemblyman said the government should conduct thorough local assessments before procurement and deployment, as disaster funds must translate into practical solutions on the ground.
Lasimbang, who joined a team distributing HeroMeals to affected families in Pitas, said most relief workers faced operational challenges in high-risk rural areas.
She said early disaster planning should include identifying high-risk areas, mapping access routes and keeping close contact with village leaders so help can be mobilised quickly when disasters strike.
She stressed grassroots collaboration, noting that village heads and local committees provide real-time information that enables more coordinated and efficient responses.
“Disaster preparedness must be a continuous responsibility, not a seasonal response. It requires ongoing assessment, suitable equipment and coordination systems that reach the village level,” she said.
She said Sabah can further strengthen its disaster response system but must pay more attention to field feedback and adapt strategies to local needs to ensure faster aid and better protection for communities.
Since Feb 19, about 10 Sabah districts have been hit by floods over a staggered two-week period, with more than 10,000 people evacuated. All areas have since returned to normal, with the last victims returning home in recent days.
