The death toll from the landslides and floods in Sabah has climbed to nine.
KUALA LUMPUR : – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has swiftly mobilised RM21 million in immediate financial assistance to support flood victims in Sabah as the state battles severe weather conditions.
The Prime Minister has directed the full resources of the Madani Government to be deployed, ensuring swift aid delivery to the affected communities.
“I am deeply moved by the impact of the floods currently ravaging Sabah. I have instructed the Madani Government machinery to act immediately so aid can reach the affected people without disruption,” Anwar said in a Facebook post Monday.
The government has already channelled RM11 million through the state authorities, with an additional RM10 million approved via the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to restore essential services and provide relief to those in need.
“The safety, welfare, and survival of flood victims are our priority,” Anwar added, assuring that every impacted household will receive assistance without delay.
Death toll rises as landslides claim more lives
As the flood crisis deepens, the death toll from the landslides and floods in Sabah has climbed to nine.
The latest victims, a nine-year-old girl, Nur Iman, and 24-year-old Maslinah Abdul Halid, were discovered on Wednesday after rescue teams worked to retrieve their bodies from the debris in Kampung Cenderakasih, Kolombong.
These two deaths bring the total number of fatalities from the landslide in Kolombong to seven.
Earlier, five victims had been confirmed dead, including a 7-year-old boy and a 2-year-old child. In addition to the landslides in Kolombong, two people—38-year-old Emily Johnny and her 11-year-old son Xarell Myre—died in a separate incident in Kampung Sook, Papar.
Rescue teams have been working around the clock, with personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, K9 Unit, and the Storm Rescue Team continuing search efforts in the worst-hit areas.
Sabah suspends Malaysia Day celebration amid ongoing disaster
In light of the severe flooding, the Sabah state government has called off the Malaysia Day celebration that was scheduled for tomorrow night at Padang Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor confirmed the cancellation, stating that resources and efforts must be redirected to manage the crisis.
“The welfare, safety, and well-being of the people must come first. All focus and resources should be dedicated to helping those impacted by these devastating conditions,” said Hajiji.
The state government has also directed the State Disaster Management Committee to remain on full alert, coordinating emergency responses across the worst-hit districts.