KOTA KINABALU: The number of flood evacuees in Tawau continues to rise, with almost 400 from 96 families displaced as of 4pm on Saturday (July 25).
The Sabah Civil Defence Force expects this number to rise as registration is still ongoing at the relief centre.
As such, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) zone six chairman Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah suggested a special flood observation and management committee to be set up in Tawau to strengthen coordination during disasters.
He said floods are becoming more frequent in Tawau, and such committees involving the Tawau Municipal Council, Works Department, and Drainage and Irrigation Department could help with mitigation and response more effectively.
According to Liew, Chief Minister and GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor also stressed the need for leaders to go to the ground more often to remain updated on the situation and to speed up assistance for affected communities.
Liew, who is also Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS) president, added that he is arranging for a meeting with Hajiji and state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun to discuss short- and long-term solutions for the recurring flood issues in Tawau as they are affecting the livelihood of villagers.
