KOTA KINABALU: The Tawau District Disaster Management Committee has declared a drought disaster in Pulau Sebatik effective Wednesday (March 25).
The declaration was made by the committee chairman cum Tawau Muncipal Council president Joseph Pang, at 10am following prolonged hot weather conditions that have affected water supply and the lives of local residents on the island bordering Indonesia.
He said the declaration was crucial to enable all relevant agencies to coordinate immediate actions, including distributing aid and managing water resources in the affected areas.
The main focus is to ensure a sufficient clean water supply while also monitoring the health and welfare of residents impacted by the drought.
“All parties, including government agencies and local communities, are urged to work together to reduce the impact of this disaster.
“Residents are also advised to use water prudently and comply with instructions issued by the authorities from time to time,” he said in a statement.
The disaster committee will continue to monitor the situation and take follow up actions as necessary to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of residents in Pulau Sebatik.
