Kota kinabalu: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged residents in Sabah’s east coast districts to be prepared for possible evacuations, with strong wind squalls forecast to hit Sandakan and Lahad Datu in the next two to three days. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee, noted that the weather system had earlier affected the west coast and is now expected to shift eastward.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized that this announcement is not intended to cause panic, but to ensure readiness among residents. He advised that if evacuation orders are issued, residents should follow them and bring important documents. His remarks came after visiting evacuees at the temporary relief centre (PPS) at the Taman Sri Keramat PPR Community Hall.
During the visit, Ahmad Zahid expressed gratitude to the state and district disaster management committees and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) for their efforts. He highlighted the importance of preparedness as the winds are anticipated to move toward Sandakan and Lahad Datu. The visit was also attended by Sabah State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, who chairs the Sabah State Disaster Committee, and Sabah UMNO and Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Ahmad Zahid was briefed by Safar upon his arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport before visiting several temporary relief centres in the Putatan district. These included SMK Petagas PPS, PPR Taman Sri Keramat Community Hall PPS, Seringai PPS, and Meruntum PPS. The federal government is reviewing a list of flood- and landslide-damaged homes to coordinate repair and reconstruction efforts, with MARA advised to carry out rewiring in damaged but still habitable houses.
Ahmad Zahid confirmed that government personnel and relevant agencies will be mobilised with necessary resources to assist affected communities. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to visit Sabah to meet affected residents and assess the disaster situation firsthand.
Ahmad Zahid plans to continue his district visits and coordinate clean-up efforts, with plans to return on Saturday. The government will deploy water jets and tankers for cleaning operations and collaborate with NGOs to support the efforts. He expressed satisfaction with the coordination by disaster management committees in assisting with the relocation of flood victims to temporary relief centres.
Regarding bridge damage caused by the disaster, Ahmad Zahid confirmed that reports have been received, especially concerning key daily-use bridges. He assured that the government will work with the Public Works Department and the Malaysian Armed Forces to expedite repairs and build temporary crossings while assessing options for new bridge construction.