TENOM: Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar assured that adequate food supplies and essential items would be provided to flood victims here, stressing that any shortfall would be his responsibility.
The Melalap Assemblyman, who had spent the past few days wading through floodwaters in Tenom with his team and the Tenom 4x4 Club, visited multiple temporary relief centres (PPS) to provide aid to victims in the worst-affected area.
During his visit, he assured flood victims that the State Government prioritised their welfare, particularly in ensuring sufficient food supplies while they remain at the centres and after returning home.
“Apart from ensuring that no victims go hungry at the relief centres, we are also distributing additional food baskets to each family once they are allowed to return home,” he said.
On the challenges faced in delivering aid, Jamawi said damage to and closure of several main roads following the floods did not hinder his team’s efforts to distribute food supplies to victims.
He said with close cooperation from the Tenom 4x4 Club, his team managed to navigate alternative routes to deliver food supplies to PPS that had previously been cut off.
“Since the main route is still impassable, we are using alternative routes such as Pusat Kuliah Murut, Batu Kelamba, Entabuan and Lagud Seberang to ensure that aid reaches those in need,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jamawi said he had directed all agencies under his Ministry to immediately conduct on-site assessments of losses and damage to crops and the agricultural sector affected by the disaster.
He said the assessment was not only focused on Melalap but also covered other flood-hit areas, including Kemabong, Sipitang, Membakut and Tongod.
Describing the floods as the worst to hit the district since 2014, he said they posed a major challenge for residents, especially as the disaster occurred during the month of Ramadan.
Therefore, Jamawi expressed his highest appreciation to all civil servants, district officers, Social Welfare Department staff and volunteers for their dedication in relocating and evacuating victims to the PPS.
Apart from Jamawi and his team, Tenom Member of Parliament Riduan Rubin also mobilised his machinery to deliver comprehensive flood aid, including basic necessities, food and logistical support, to the PPS to ensure the welfare of flood victims in the district.
He said the aid mission was carried out in an integrated manner with the cooperation of the Kemabong Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM), Kemabong Subdistrict Office, Social Welfare Department, leaders of the Kemabong Seberang Zone and Gerakan Anak Muda Tenom.
“Initial aid has been channelled to various PPS accommodating victims from the Melalap and Kemabong constituencies, including Mukim Kuala Tomani, to ensure that adequate essential supplies are available for those affected.
“Apart from providing aid to flood victims, support was also extended to frontline personnel, with mineral water supplies sent to the Kuala Tomani Health Clinic and Kuala Tomani Police Station for their use,” he said.
Commenting on the operational challenges, Riduan said efforts to deliver aid continued despite logistical obstacles, as the main road from Pantongan to Saga remained impassable to vehicles.
He said the flood situation in the area would continue to be monitored regularly to ensure that every affected family receives appropriate attention from the Government and relevant agencies.
