HULU SELANGOR, Sept 19 — The state government is ready to extend post-disaster support to Sabah, which has been struck by its deadliest wave of landslides and thunderstorms in nearly three decades.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the matter was discussed during the recent State Executive Council meeting, adding that the form of assistance will be announced in the near future.
“We are waiting for the Federal government to resolve matters first, as at this stage, search and rescue (SAR) operations are usually carried out by uniformed bodies and the relevant authorities.
“The state government will provide assistance according to need, but the cost is relatively high as it requires flights to the state, and we cannot transport heavy machinery as we did in other states.
“Nevertheless, we will try to help with volunteers and whatever other support we can provide,” he said after officiating the final phase of compensation payments to former Felda Sungai Buaya settlers at MJD Bhd’s operations office today.
Financial aid will be channelled through the Selangor Bangkit Fund, launched in late 2021 to assist disaster victims with contributions from various parties.
According to the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee, 3,325 people from 964 families were displaced as of yesterday evening following floods and landslides across the state.
The landslides have claimed at least 13 lives, including seven children, while the floods have killed one person so far.
Nearly 90 incidents of landslides, flash flooding and road collapses have been reported since last week, according to state authorities.
On Monday (September 15), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim approved an immediate allocation of RM10 million through the National Disaster Management Agency to assist flood victims in Sabah.
