All District Disaster Committees Activated as Floods Hit Sabah

12 September 2025

KOTA KINABALU: All District Disaster Management Committees (JPBD) was ordered to be activated immediately, particularly in flood-prone areas, in view of the current unpredictable weather conditions.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has said the urgent measure was vital to ensure preparedness at an optimum level and to speed up coordination between security agencies, technical departments and local authorities in dealing with any potential natural disaster.

“With the activation of the JPBD, all forms of assistance can be mobilised more swiftly, including rescue operations, evacuation of victims and the provision of basic necessities at temporary relief centres,” Hajiji said in a statement today.

He also reminded residents to remain alert to weather warnings issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department and to comply with the instructions of the authorities to avoid risks to safety.

“The State Government is deeply concerned about the flood and landslide situation. I have instructed all JPBDs to be fully activated so that every action can be properly coordinated and affected communities receive the protection and assistance they need,” he stressed.

According to the Secretariat of the Sabah State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), as of 12 noon today, 379 victims from 123 families have been relocated to several temporary relief centres (PPS) in Beaufort and Penampang.

In Beaufort, 149 victims from 53 families are currently housed at PPS Selagon. Meanwhile in Penampang, 230 victims from 70 families have been evacuated to three PPS – the Penampang Sports Complex (83 people), SK St Paul Kolopis (50 people) and Dewan Huguan Siou (97 people).

Overall, evacuees comprise 127 adult men including senior citizens, 139 adult women including senior citizens, while the remaining 113 are children and infants.

Hajiji further advised residents in high-risk areas to remain vigilant during continuous rainfall and to move out immediately if instructed by the authorities.

“Do not take the risk of staying in dangerous areas. Family safety must come first. The Government will ensure that food, logistics and other essential aid continue to reach all victims,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) confirmed a landslide that buried a two-storey semi-permanent house in Kampung Sarapung, Penampang at about 6.10pm yesterday.

According to the operations report, there were two victims in the incident. A woman was rescued by members of the public with minor injuries, while a 97-year-old man remains missing. The search and rescue operation is ongoing.