Jannie: Cancel Fireworks, Channel Funds to Flood Relief

15 September 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Kapayan State Assemblywoman and Sabah DAP Vice Chairperson Jannie Lasimbang has expressed deep concern over the recent floods and landslides that have struck many districts in Sabah following days of heavy rain.

She said staging a Malaysia Day fireworks display at such a difficult time is highly inappropriate and urged the government to show genuine empathy for victims through concrete action.

Jannie noted that continuous heavy rainfall has caused rivers to overflow, inundating low-lying areas and triggering multiple landslides. Roads and infrastructure have been damaged, while some homes have been destroyed.

“Victims are either struggling to clean up their devastated homes or have been forced to evacuate with only what they could carry to temporary relief centres. Their lives have been thrown into extreme hardship,” she said.

“Malaysia Day is indeed worth celebrating nationwide. But when people are suffering, if the government still insists on staging fireworks, it will hurt public sentiment and cast doubt on whether the authorities truly prioritise the people’s safety and well-being.”

She stressed that what is urgently needed now is relief and reconstruction, not a fleeting display of fireworks.

Jannie suggested that funds allocated for fireworks should instead be channelled into a disaster relief fund to help affected families purchase essential goods, or to carry out urgent repairs to flood- and landslide-damaged roads, bridges, and drainage systems.

“If these funds are used to rebuild infrastructure, it would bring tangible improvements to post-disaster conditions and ease the burden on victims,” she said.

She emphasised that the true spirit of celebration lies not in dazzling fireworks but in ensuring people can spend the festive day safely and peacefully with their families. “When victims are still struggling in the mud and floodwaters, any display of festivity feels like a cruel irony to them.”

Alongside her public appeal, Jannie has been visiting disaster-hit areas, meeting affected residents, and accompanying Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to inspect landslide sites and assess the damage.

She added that the Kapayan constituency office is actively raising donations from the public to provide food baskets and essential items for immediate distribution in affected areas.

She called on kind-hearted individuals willing to help to contact Alison Wong (+6014-3514466) for details.

Jannie concluded by expressing hope that all parties will unite during this difficult period, demonstrating solidarity and compassion to overcome the disaster together.