Kota Kinabalu: More than 2,000 villagers in Paitan are struggling to rebuild their lives after devastating floods ravaged 87 villages recently, destroying homes, washing away belongings and leaving many families without basic necessities.
Many victims are now trying to recover after their homes, crops and personal belongings were swept away by the floodwaters.
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The disaster has prompted a wave of humanitarian support from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community groups and corporate organisations determined to help the affected communities recover.
A total of 200 cartons of drinking water, 1,200 kilograms of rice and nearly five tonnes of clothes, mattresses and essential supplies have been distributed to 248 heads of household (Ketua Isi Rumah – KIR) in the district.
The relief mission, called “Misi Bantu Paitan,” was spearheaded by Juli Apang, leader of the Sugut Community Liaison Committee under the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) and Chairman of Pertubuhan Hijau Lestari Sabah, with support from Persatuan Tombonuo Kota Kinabalu, represented by its Chairperson Kogos Samain and member Jennylisa Ehmelda Kogos.
Relief items were collected in Kota Kinabalu at the Regency Park Main Hall, with contributions from various organisations and individuals including Thomas Acquinus Charles, President of the Kelab Rekreasi & Sosial SEDCO (KReSS), Sedafiat Hospital Keningau, PGRS Wanita DUN Moyog, CK Motor S Sdn Bhd, Persatuan Prihatin Ikhlas Penampang, Pertubuhan Karyawan Anak Seni Sabah, Persatuan Kembara Radu Bukit Sabah and Aturan Outdoor Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd.
On Tuesday, volunteers completed their second trip to deliver aid to flood-affected villagers in Kampung Batangan Darat, Kampung Sulit, Kampung Tanjung Nipis 1, Kampung Sokoon, Kampung Musingapu, Kampung Bawang (Ulu Tangkarason), Kampung Tebatu and Kampung Dalamas.
Another round of aid will be delivered today (March 5) to villagers in Kampung Binanjar, consisting of 33 packs of 5kg rice, food baskets and clothing donated by the Tantaru Tagap Adventure Club.
Juli and his team will guide the team to Kampung Binanjar to ensure the donations reach the affected villagers safely.
According to Juli, many villagers remain in urgent need of assistance as the floods caused severe damage to homes, crops and livelihoods.
“Many villagers have lost their houses, while others saw their vehicles and crops destroyed. Some homes were completely swept away by the floodwaters, and many families are still struggling to recover,” he said.
The volunteers travelled approximately 254 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu to the Paitan Community Centre, a journey of about six hours, departing as early as 5am to ensure aid could reach the affected villages as quickly as possible.
During their first trip, the team also received additional donations from residents in Kota Marudu and Pitas, further strengthening the relief effort.
Juli urged those who are able to continue supporting the victims, particularly through food donations such as rice, which remain among the most urgently needed items.
The organisers are also appealing for assistance in the form of lorry transportation, as they currently do not have a dedicated vehicle to deliver the aid.
Individuals or organisations able to assist are encouraged to come forward to help ensure relief items continue reaching the flood-affected villages.
Those wishing to contribute may contact the NGOs at +60 11-2999 5929 (Juli) or +60 12-658 5229 (Kogos).
