Kota kinabalu: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today launched the Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) Volunteer Squad to help alleviate the burden of disaster victims across the state. Ahmad Zahid, who is also the BN chairman, said the squad had already been assisting flood victims for the past three days, deploying four water tankers to help clean affected homes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid officially launched the squad, which will be registered and mobilised across all 25 parliamentary constituencies in Sabah. He mentioned that the squad would work alongside the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), with funding allocated based on the situation and needs in disaster-stricken areas. Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the squad is open to everyone, not just BN members, and highlighted the commitment to assist victims regardless of political affiliation.

When questioned about the number of seats BN would contest in the upcoming Sabah state election, Ahmad Zahid confirmed that BN would not be contesting all 73 state seats. He stated that they would field candidates in winnable seats and announce the details once everything is finalized. He also revealed plans to collaborate with the third force in Sabah to ensure these seats favor BN. Ahmad Zahid further mentioned the finalization of cooperation with Pakatan Harapan (PH), ensuring there would be no seat overlap with PH, with confirmations expected after the dissolution of the assembly.