Sabah’s East Coast on Alert for Strong Winds, Zahid Urges Residents to Be Prepared
PUTATAN, Sept 17 (VoM): Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on residents in Sabah’s east coast districts to remain vigilant and ready for possible evacuations, as strong wind squalls are forecasted to hit Sandakan and Lahad Datu in the coming days.
Speaking after visiting evacuees at the Taman Sri Keramat PPR Community Hall, Zahid, who also chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee, said the weather system that earlier struck the state’s west coast is now expected to move eastward.
“This is not to cause panic, but to ensure readiness. If evacuation orders are issued, follow them closely and bring important documents with you,” he urged.
He commended the efforts of the state and district disaster management committees, along with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), stressing that preparedness is the key as authorities anticipate the winds’ eastward movement.
Sabah State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, who heads the State Disaster Committee, and Sabah Umno and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin accompanied Zahid during his visit. Zahid was also briefed on the situation upon his arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, visited several temporary relief centers (PPS) in Putatan, including SMK Petagas, PPR Taman Sri Keramat Community Hall, Seringai, and Meruntum. He confirmed that the federal government is reviewing a list of flood and landslide-damaged homes submitted by the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee to coordinate repair and reconstruction efforts.
“The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) has also been tasked with conducting rewiring in damaged but still habitable houses to ensure a safe electricity supply,” he said, adding that government agencies will be fully mobilised to assist affected communities.
Zahid also revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to visit Sabah soon, likely in Penampang, to meet residents and assess the disaster situation firsthand.
“I visited three districts today and will continue tomorrow. InsyaAllah, I will return on Saturday (Sept 20) to visit other districts and coordinate cleanup efforts,” he said, noting that water jets, tankers, and NGOs would be deployed to aid in cleaning operations.
On infrastructure, Zahid acknowledged reports of damaged bridges, some of which are vital for daily use. He assured that the Public Works Department and the Malaysian Armed Forces will work together to expedite repairs and build temporary crossings while evaluating options for permanent reconstruction.