PENAMPANG, July 2 (Bernama) -- Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has instructed all local authorities across the state to remain vigilant during the rainy season.
"We must ensure all drains are cleared promptly. We cannot afford to wait until it rains. Our goal is to mitigate risks and maintain preparedness at all times," he emphasised in a statement following his visit to flood victims at the temporary shelter in Penampang Cultural Centre today.
He expressed deep concern on behalf of both the Sabah and federal governments for those affected by the recent flash floods, pledging assistance to all victims.
"The Sabah government empathises with their plight, and thus we are prepared to provide emergency cash assistance of RM1,000 to each family sheltered at the Penampang Cultural Centre," he said.
Hajiji also said that the federal government, represented by Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also the Member of Parliament for Penampang, would extend support to the affected individuals.
Hajiji also announced that the state government would consider providing assistance to those whose homes have been severely damaged by the floods but have not been evacuated to temporary shelters.
Earlier, district officer Francis Chong informed the Chief Minister that currently, 67 families comprising 165 individuals have sought refuge at the temporary shelter since it was activated at 5.25 pm on Sunday.
He also informed Hajiji that 11 villages in the Penampang district were inundated due to heavy rainfall on Sunday.
Tragically, one life was lost when a woman was swept away by strong currents near the Donggongon roundabout during the flash flood.
Later, Hajiji, accompanied by Ewon, state secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, Sabah Assistant Works Minister Datuk Limus Jury, and Internal Affairs and Research Secretary Datuk Awang Shaminan Sahari, inspected the flood situation in Kampung Tuavon and Hungab.
-- BERNAMA
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