Move to safer place during heavy rain: Jeffrey
Published on: Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Kitingan was accompanied by the Penampang District Officer Francis Chong, Welfare Department officers, District Engineer Ir Irene Choo, District Police Chief DSP Mohd Haris Ibrahim and Senator Datuk John Ambrose.
PENAMPANG: Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to move to a safer place during heavy rain as a precaution.Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the Government is doing everything possible to complete flood mitigation projects, including two that are currently under way in Penampang and Putatan.
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“Unfortunately, these works will only be completed in a few years and we anticipate that the entire flood mitigation works will be fully completed in six years.
“In the meantime, I urge residents living in flood-prone areas to make plans to relocate to other areas during heavy rains,” he said, during a visit to the Penampang Cultural Centre where 13 families were temporarily housed.
Advising residents in low-lying areas to always be wary of rising river water, Jeffrey also discouraged landowners from building houses too close to flood-prone rivers.
“The rainy season is just getting started and according to the Meteorological Department, more rain is expected before the end of this year. The weather is getting more erratic due to the effects of climate change. Let us work together to avoid further property losses,” he said.
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Jeffrey was accompanied by Penampang District Officer Francis Chong, Welfare Department officers, District Engineer Ir Irene Choo, District Police Chief DSP Mohd Haris Ibrahim and Senator Datuk John Ambrose.
He was also briefed on the flood situation on the ground by Chong at the district natural disaster centre and the steps taken to assist victims.
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In MEMBAKUT, many residents suffered tremendous damage to their properties during heavy rain on Sunday, President of the Sabah Ethnic Group Organisation (Presabah) said.
“There were many grievances from residents of Kg Papas and Ulu Membakut where water overflowed into their homes and kitchen,” they said, blaming the Pan Borneo project.
This was due to defective drainage system, lack of smooth water flow and the result was overflowing and when full, flowing into nearby houses.
“We had sent pictures earlier to the relevant quarters for attention and further action. But Pan Borneo didn’t want to know and ignored their responsibilities allowing the improper drainage channel there.”
He reiterated that if drainage was well maintained the flood problem would be overcome.
“It’s impossible that they don’t know about this matter; it should become a priority that should be taken care of and avoided during the heavy rain caused by Pan Borneo construction works,” he said.
“Who will compensate for the damage that occur and will Pan Borneo be responsible for replacing people’s destroyed equipment?
“They should be aware of the consequences to the residents when the Pan Borneo project was implemented.”
The flood in Membakut.
In BEAUFORT, 57 flood victims from Kg Kayai and Kg Brunei, including infants and children, were rescued on Monday.
The public was reminded to be ready for any possibility during the rainy season, especially in low-lying areas, District Fire and Rescue Station Chief Mohammad Hasbullah Nenggok said.
He said the district office’s hall is currently providing shelter for the evacuated flood victims.
He said because it frequently rains, the people should be ready to evacuate when security personnel order them to.
Kg Balibata, Kg Melalugus, Kg Bingkul, Kg Bakalau and Kg Limbawang are some of the other villages affected by the flooding. Flooding is also expected to occur in the Lumadan area. There are 45 villages in Lumadan and Klias that have been identified as having a high risk of flooding.
In order to avoid losing or getting their important documents wet during the floods, he advised the people to be ready and to keep them in a secure location.
The police, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defense Force, Health Department and those from Rela would keep an eye on the victims and help find safer places.
The Fire and Rescue Department is preparing its logistics for deployment to rescue flood victims if the situation worsens, he said, despite the fact that the flooding situation in this area is still under control.
Meanwhile, Sipitang Fire and Rescue Station Chief Calvin Joe Jeafrey said they are monitoring flood prone areas.
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