Move out immediately, Sabah flood victims advised

Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri today advised the people in flood-prone areas to evacuate immediately to relief centres when ordered to do so by the authorities.

Abdul Rahim, who is the MP for Kudat, said the people should not wait until the floodwaters had reached an alarming level before deciding to move out of their homes.

He spoke to reporters after visiting a flood relief centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sikuati here and handing over food and drinks to the over 900 evacuees there.

Abdul Rahim advised all village chiefs and chairmen of village development and security committees to be prepared at all times to face the floods and to contact the district flood operations room when the need arose.

"A flood disaster relief committee has been set up in every district, involving all the relevant government agencies, and it is chaired by the respective district officers," he said.

He also said that the 5th Infantry Brigade based in Sabah had sent 64 soldiers and a medical team as well as six boats and eight three-tonne trucks to help out in the event of floods in northern Sabah, especially Kota Belud, Pitas and Kudat.

Abdul Rahim advised flood victims to exercise patience and perseverance in facing the disaster.