Kota Marudu flood causes RM15 mln losses

KOTA MARUDU: Damage caused by the two-day flood here is estimated at RM15 million.

However, work would continue to assess the total losses on paddy fields, roads, drainages, bridges and other infrastructure, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, yesterday.

He said a complete report would be submitted to the Prime Minister’s Department soon, adding that for now, the priority was to ensure that the needs of flood victims were met.

“A total of 2,900 flood victims from 910 families were affected by the recent floods and 11 temporary evacuation centres were immediately activated.

“Five centres have been shut down today (Friday), while the remaining flood victims will be allowed to go back to their homes tomorrow (Saturday) if the situation improves,” he said when visiting and presenting aid to flood victims at the Youth and Sports Hall in Tandek.

Also present were the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, who oversees the National Security Council, and Tandek assemblywoman Datuk Anita Baranting.

Maximus, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah acting president and member of parliament here, expressed hope that assistance to the affected victims could be settled before the Chinese New Year.

Meanwhile, Shahidan said efforts would be made to upgrade and improve the gazetted temporary evacuation centres in the state by installing proper kitchens, toilets and bathrooms to ensure that victims temporarily sheltered in these centres could stay comfortably.

“Similar upgrading is also to be done at other centres in flood-prone states,” he said.

Shahidan also urged those affected by the recent flood here to submit their details to the authorities so proper assistance could be issued.

“We in Barisan Nasional, care for the welfare and well-being of the people. When one is in trouble, we are there to lend a helping hand, unlike seasonal ‘helpers’ who only come to belittle the ruling government,” he said.