Keningau Floods: Residents Thank Security Forces For Swift Rescue Efforts

KENINGAU, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- Residents affected by the floods in this district have expressed their gratitude towards security forces, especially the Civil Defence Force (APM) and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), for their quick and efficient response in helping flood victims.

Food stall owner Safiah Datu Masnor, 48, said she and her family were forced to leave their home last night after floodwaters began to enter their house and the presence of APM personnel was crucial in assisting them to evacuate quickly.

“I was with my husband and three children when the water rose rapidly. The water started entering the house around 8 pm, and within an hour, it reached knee-level. The power went out, too,” she said.

Safiah, who is from Kampung Kauran Greg, added that her family only managed to save valuable items, important documents and some clothes.

The State Disaster Management Committee Secretariat reported that as of 4 pm, 69 people (17 families) have been relocated to the temporary relief centre (PPS) at Dewan Koningau here, while a total of 322 people (82 families) have been displaced by the floods in the Sabah.

The affected areas in Keningau include Kampung Kauran, Kampung Kauran Greg, Kampung Patikang Ulu, Kampung Banjar, Kampung Bariawa Laut, Kampung Lingkudau Ulu, Kampung Lingkudau Ring, Taman Kok Lok, Taman Anggerik, Kampung Tamu Ground Keningau and Jalan Pekan Keningau.

Md Jaafar Amit, 57, a retired military personnel from Kampung Lingkudau Ring, recounted his shock upon discovering floodwaters rushing into his home after returning from a grocery run with his son last night.

“The APM and JBPM personnel were already nearby and came to check on us. They instructed us to move our belongings quickly, helped carry our items and reminded us to take important documents. They were incredibly professional and considerate, especially towards children and the elderly,” he said.

Md Jaafar and his family expressed deep appreciation for the security forces and other government officials who assisted them at the PPS, which, according to him, provided ample food and comfortable temporary accommodation.

Meanwhile, Sabah APM deputy director Lt Col (PA) Erwin @ Elverowen Kinsui said his team had conducted an intensive five-hour rescue operation in Keningau from 8 pm yesterday.

“The Keningau APM District Operations Control Centre received 26 emergency calls from the public regarding the floods,” he said, adding that they assisted vehicles stranded due to floods in the affected areas.

The District Disaster Management Committee, in a statement, said that floodwaters in several areas in Keningau have started to recede, with the Sook River and Pegalan River returning to normal levels.

-- BERNAMA