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Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Finance should allocate a special additional contingency fund to address natural disasters, particularly the frequent floods. 

Sipitang Member of Parliament Datuk Matbali Musah said  this is important to ensure that immediate assistance could be mobilised whenever disaster strikes. 

“A special additional contingency allocation is needed to address natural disasters that occur frequently, particularly in Sabah,” he said, when debating the Supplementary Supply Bill for the Ministry of Finance in the Dewan Rakyat, Thursday.

He raised the matter following recurrence of floods in several districts in Sabah this week.

He said Pitas, Kota Marudu, Paitan and Beluran were hit by floods affecting more than 10,000 residents, with over 5,000 people evacuated.

On Wednesday, Matbali added that five more districts were declared flood disaster areas, namely Sipitang, Beaufort, Sook, Tenom and Membakut.

“Even as I am speaking right now, many roads in the Sipitang parliamentary constituency are still submerged.

“Flooding seems to have become a fixed season in our state, particularly in Sipitang which covers the districts of Sipitang and Beaufort.

“Every year, in fact several times a year, the floods arrive without fail — the latest occurring over the past two days,” he said.  

Matbali also proposed that the Ministry of Finance provide a special additional contingency allocation to repair dilapidated and ageing schools.

He referred to Sekolah Kebangsaan Luagan Sanginan where a structural beam broke on Dec. 18, forcing its closure due to safety concerns.

He said more than two months had passed and students were forced to study in uncomfortable conditions.

“Classes have been relocated to the resource centre, laboratories, remedial rooms and even other classrooms. Some are also forced to attend lessons in the school’s open hall.

“We understand that the District Education Office has applied for a replacement of the school building, but it is still awaiting a response,” Matbali said.