Tragic Floods and Landslides, 13 Lives Lost: Minister Calls for Urgent Action

18 September 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The recent devastating floods and landslides across several areas in Sabah have resulted in the loss of 13 lives, including children, adults, and the elderly. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Jeffery Kitingan, expressed his deep sorrow and urged immediate and long-term measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring.

In a statement today, Jeffery Kitingan who is also Deputy Chief Minister II said, “This tragedy has left deep wounds in the hearts of the families involved and the entire community. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to all the families who have lost their loved ones. These are not just numbers, but precious lives; young children, parents, grandparents, and elders, they are part of us all.”

He detailed the affected locations, stating, “Among the fatalities are seven in Kota Kinabalu’s Kampung Cenderakasih, including four children and their grandfather, as well as several other family members. In Papar, two deaths were reported; a 38-year-old woman and an 11-year-old boy. Additionally, three lives were lost in Kampung Marahang Tuntul, including a 10-year-old girl, and a 97-year-old man in Kampung Sarapung.”

Adding to the tragedy,  Jeffery highlighted the loss of a SESB worker who was reportedly swept away in a river while on duty.

“He is a symbol of Sabah children’s sacrifice, dedicated to ensuring that others’ lives are not disrupted by power outages, even during disasters. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and we hope they find patience while awaiting his return in whatever circumstances,” he said.

The Minister emphasised that the floods are not merely natural calamities but also tests of resilience that threaten the sense of security, future, and hope among Sabah’s residents. “We cannot allow such situations to recur without decisive action,” he stressed.

In the immediate term, the government will undertake drainage system rehabilitation in affected areas and expedite ongoing flood mitigation projects. “People should no longer live in fear every time heavy rain falls,” he said.

For the long term, Jeffery appealed to the federal government for urgent support.

“The Sabah State Government has long planned critical flood mitigation projects, including the Moyog River Basin Development Packages 2A and 4 in Penampang. However, our efforts have been repeatedly denied due to lack of funding since RMK11,” he explained.

He called on the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, saying, “I sincerely and earnestly appeal for an immediate allocation of approximately RM900 million to fund these vital projects. This is a long-term solution capable of protecting lives, property, and ensuring a safer future for the people of Sabah.”

Concluding his statement, Jeffery stated, “The people of Sabah have suffered for too long each time heavy rain falls. We cannot wait for more tragedies. The lives of our people must be prioritised.”