Kota kinabalu: The Federal Government will review the implementation of flood mitigation projects in areas identified as frequently affected in Sabah as a long-term measure to address increasingly frequent flooding due to climate change and global warming. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud stated that the extreme weather phenomenon occurring not only in Sabah but worldwide requires a more comprehensive approach, including reviewing the construction of flood mitigation infrastructure.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mustapha mentioned that global warming and environmental concerns are contributing to more frequent flooding with rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns. To combat this, the government will assess affected locations and implement flood mitigation projects in significantly impacted areas. Mustapha shared these insights with reporters after officiating an Ukhuwah MADANI programme.
Mustapha, also the Member of Parliament for Sepanggar, highlighted that the government is closely monitoring the current flood situation, mobilising agencies to ensure the welfare of flood victims. The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the Malaysia Civil Defence Force (APM) have been deployed to temporary relief centres to assess needs and welfare.
In his efforts, Mustapha aims to expedite the deployment of relevant agencies to flood locations and ensure contributions reach those registered at temporary relief centres. Additionally, the government is working on strengthening information dissemination systems and early weather warnings for residents in high-risk areas.
As of noon today, the number of flood victims in Sabah had decreased to 3,266 individuals from 1,401 families compared with 5,141 individuals from 2,160 families earlier in the day. The flood disaster in the Kota Marudu district was declared over following improved weather conditions, while the districts of Pitas, Paitan, and Tawau remain affected.
The Ukhuwah MADANI programme, officiated by Mustapha, is a two-day community initiative involving collaboration between the Sepanggar Member of Parliament's Office and non-governmental organisations to distribute 10,000 packs of bubur lambuk to the local community.