BOXES containing kitchen utensils and relief kits provided by Petron Malaysia has been distributed to flood victims throughout Sarawak.

National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sibu branch chairman Lucas Lau said the aid worth RM77,000 had been given out since mid-February 2025.

Lau expressed MTPN’s deep sympathy and concern for all flood victims and those in need.

“MTPN would also like to thank the Sibu Division Resident for their invaluable assistance in providing recipient data.

“Their contribution and cooperation have been highly valuable in facilitating all related matters.

“We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to Petron for this generous contribution,” he said.

Separately, Lau said it had become a norm for Petron to celebrate the month of Ramadan with the local community, including its customers.

“Various activities are carried out not only by petrol station operators but also with the support and involvement of staff from Petron’s headquarters,” he added.

Also present were Petron Sarawak regional manager Jerome Baki Menyanggai, Sibu Division Resident representative Nursyamilla Jeruis and other officials.

KOTA KINABALU: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) has stepped in to assist flood victims in Keningau and Tenom by donating 10,000 cartons of bottled water following severe disruptions to the local water supply.

In collaboration with the Sabah Disaster Management Committee, the distribution began on March 14, with 6,000 cartons allocated to Keningau and 4,000 cartons to Tenom.

“We truly feel for those going through such hardships, especially during Ramadan. As soon as we learned of their predicament, we quickly mobilised our team to assist. We hope this contribution helps ease the challenges faced by those affected by the flood,” Siti Ayu said.

She added that the initiative reflects Petronas’ commitment to creating a positive social impact and supporting the well-being of communities in the state.

The recent floods that hit the interior districts of Sabah, Tenom and Keningau, in mid-March 2025, caused widespread disruptions, severely damaging infrastructure and water supply systems, leaving thousands of residents struggling with limited access to clean water.

Meanwhile, Peter expressed gratitude for the aid, saying it had significantly eased the burden on residents after the temporary closure of two main water treatment plants in Keningau due to extreme turbidity caused by the flood.

Mas Syazwan also thanked Petronas for their assistance, noting that a landslide had further disrupted the water supply in Tenom.

Other agencies involved in delivering the bottled water are the Community Development Leaders Units in Keningau and Tenom, the People’s Volunteer Corps, the Civil Defence Force, and the Royal Malaysia Police.

KOTA KINABALU (Mar 18): The section of Kimanis-Keningau road that was closed due to a landslip in the area is expected to be reopened by this weekend.

Deputy Chief Minister III cum Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya after inspecting the site of landslip, said clearing work there is almost complete.

“Today, I am at Jalan Kimanis, Keningau, to inspect the landslide incident site, which involves two locations: at the 11.2 km and 14.3 km marks of Jalan Kimanis, Keningau. The clearing work of the landslide has been carried out and is almost complete.

“Based on the current work progress, I anticipate that the clearing and slope-cutting works at these affected areas can be completed within the next two to three days. However, this is subject to weather conditions this afternoon or evening,” said Shahelmey.

Speaking to reporters at the site, Shahelmey said there has been some light rain, but not heavy, allowing the clearing and repair work to proceed.

In addition to the clearing and slope formation works, the contractor will also install road barriers to ensure the safety of the road once it is ready to be reopened, he said.

According to him, at the 14 km mark, a temporary road has also been built, but is only suitable for the use of light vehicles.

“Therefore, I advise the public to wait for further notice from JKR Sabah regarding the reopening of this road,” he said.

Shahelmey added that he was quite satisfied with the work progress, considering that the road has been closed for almost 10 days.

Following heavy rains in interior Sabah, the section of the Keningau-Kimanis road was closed since the second landslip on March 7.

The popular road that cuts through the Crocker Range serves as the shortest route between the interior and Kota Kinabalu.

MIRI, 18 Mac: Mangsa kejadian tanah runtuh di Kampung Lereng Bukit di sini menerima kunjungan Timbalan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Hal Ehwal Agama), Senator Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, dalam satu lawatan kebajikan bagi meninjau keadaan mereka serta menyampaikan sumbangan.

Pada lawatan itu Dr. Zulkifli turut menzahirkan rasa kagum terhadap ketabahan dan memberi kata semangat kepada Nur Irsalina Syahirah, iaitu salah seorang mangsa kejadian tanah runtuh itu dan juga bakal menduduki Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) tahun ini.

“Saya merasa kagum dengan ketabahan Nur Irsalina. Walaupun cedera, dia tetap tersenyum dan bersemangat untuk menghadapi SPM. Kami datang hari ini untuk bertanya khabar serta mendoakan agar semua mangsa, termasuk Nur Irsalina dan Encik Arabi Samsuddin, terus diberi ketabahan oleh Allah SWT,” katanya ketika menziarahi Nur Irsalina dan datuknya, Arabi Samsuddin di kediaman saudaranya di sini, hari ini.

Beliau turut berharap agar semua keluarga yang terkesan terus diberikan kekuatan dalam menghadapi dugaan ini.

“Kami mendoakan agar semua mangsa tanah runtuh, termasuk Nur Irsalina dan keluarganya, diberikan ketabahan dan perlindungan oleh Allah. Setiap ujian pasti ada hikmahnya, dan saya yakin ini akan menjadikan mereka lebih kuat serta matang dalam menghadapi cabaran hidup,” tambahnya.

Selain lawatan kebajikan, Dr. Zulkifli turut mengadakan beberapa program kemasyarakatan di sekitar Miri, termasuk program Musa’adah Asnaf dan Ihya Ramadan di beberapa masjid seperti Masjid Al-Naim Lutong, Masjid Al-Muttaqin Bekenu, dan Masjid Darul Ehsan Piasau Jaya.

“Alhamdulillah, ramai yang hadir dalam program ini. Selain mendekatkan diri kepada Allah, kita juga menyampaikan sumbangan kepada golongan asnaf serta membantu masjid dan surau yang terkesan akibat banjir.

“Sebanyak lebih 24 masjid dan surau di Bekenu menerima sumbangan dalam usaha meringankan beban masyarakat setempat yang terjejas,” ujarnya.

Lawatan kerja singkatnya ke Miri ini menekankan kepentingan kesejahteraan sosial dan perpaduan masyarakat, selari dengan usaha kerajaan dalam membina Malaysia yang lebih inklusif dan maju.-TVS