Actual number of flood victims in Beaufort higher than reported — SAPP

KOTA KINABALU - The number of flood victims in Beaufort is higher than that reported by the media as many did not report themselves to the relief centres that were set up by the government.

This is because many of those living in the remote villages were reluctant to leave their homes as they were concerned for their property and belongings, thus causing them to be stranded there.

According to SAPP Lumadan CLC chairman Jamain Sarudin, many of these victims are from the voting districts of Bangkalalak and Padas Damit which are located about 60km away or an hour's drive from Beaufort town.

"There are around 20 villages with an estimated population of 8,000 people and as I was driving down from Sipitang, I noticed that many of the villagers were camping by the roadside off their villages.

"They are reluctant to move to the evacuation centres as they do want to leave their properties behind," Jamain said, adding that currently these two areas are still inundated by flood water and are only accessible by boats.

"I was made to understand that it might take a few more days for the flood situation there to normalize," he said.

Jamain also urged the government to reach out to villagers who are stranded in their homes in these two areas as their food and water supply may be running low.

Meanwhile SAPP Women chief Melanie Chia urged the government to immediately reach out to the flood victims who are stranded in Beaufort district.

Speaking at a press conference held at the party's headquarters in Taman Antarabangsa Likas here yesterday, Chia said while SAPP was glad to note that the state government had responded to the flood situation by distributing aid to the flood victims in Beaufort, it must also immediately reach out to those who are currently stranded in remote villages.

"Besides this, the state government should also get the federal government and Petronas to come in to assist the flood victims in Sabah, just like what they did for the flood victims in Peninsular Malaysia.

"Malaysians in Sabah too should be treated equally, if not better," she stressed.

At this juncture, Jamain who was also present at the press conference pointed out that the majority of the flood victims were expecting equal treatment from the government.

Melanie also urged the state government to provide necessary assistance to the flood victims, including those traders who incurred great losses, to get back to their normal life.

"As a responsible and concerned local political party, SAPP has started to collect essential items like mineral water, biscuits and instant noodles from its party members and supporters, to be distributed to the flood victims, especially those who are still marooned in remote villages," she said.

Also present at the press conference were SAPP president's wife Datin Stella Yong, information chief Chong Pit Fah, Supreme Council members Carrie Fong Tet Meng, Chia Mui Lee, chairman of CLC Membakut, Benjamin Ondoi, and SAPP Luyang Youth chief Yong Yit Yoong.

By Nancy Lai