KOTA KINABALU: Dalitta Dally does not wait around for official aid when floods hit her village, Kampung Rancangan Cocos, Paitan.

Instead, the 49-year-old village head (Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung, JKKK) and businesswoman takes matters into her own hands, turning her home into a temporary relief centre for displaced villagers.

"This time, it was unexpected," she said, recalling how the water levels rose suddenly.

With over 600 villagers in the community—many working in factories and palm oil plantations—flooding has become a yearly ordeal. Though some are able to evacuate on their own, Dalitta prioritises helping the elderly and families with young children.

Officially, the government has provided a designated flood relief centre, but it is located in a low-lying area. Fearing for the safety of evacuees, she instead opens her own home, which sits on higher ground. "I wanted a safer place, so I chose my house," she said.

Her initiative has sheltered up to 69 people at one time, the highest recorded in 2023. As of Saturday (March 1) morning, six families, consisting of 16 people, remain under her roof, uncertain when they will be able to return to their homes.

Though managing the situation is challenging, she finds joy in seeing the community come together.

"When we gather like this, it’s not just about surviving the flood—we reconnect, we talk, we support each other," she shared.

However, flood relief efforts have not always been smooth. The latest flood submerged several villages, including parts of Paitan and Labuk, making it difficult for emergency responders to reach affected areas.

Elderly villagers voiced their frustration, questioning why evacuation efforts had not arrived sooner.

"I couldn’t just decide on my own to move them. We have to follow procedures," Dalitta explained.

"The police have to assess the situation first, but sometimes things happen so suddenly that the community expects immediate action."

Paitan is a remote sub-district in northern Sabah, approximately a four to five-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, known for its rural communities, dense forests, and frequent flood-prone areas due to its proximity to rivers and low-lying terrain. Most of the villagers are oil palm farmers and factory workers, relying on agriculture and industrial jobs for their livelihood.

While she remains committed to helping, Dalitta knows a long-term solution is needed.

Some villagers have suggested the government build a permanent flood evacuation centre on higher ground, but so far, no decision has been made due to budget constraints.

"We can’t just ask and expect things to happen overnight," she said. "But a proper centre would make a big difference."

She envisions a well-equipped relief centre, one with adequate food supplies, sleeping areas, and medical assistance—something beyond makeshift arrangements in villagers’ homes.

"Right now, we rely on what we have. We make do with limited space, share food, and help each other. But this isn’t a permanent solution."

Dalitta believes that every flood season brings uncertainty, and each time, villagers are left scrambling to find shelter.

"We know the floods are coming—it's not a surprise anymore. So why not prepare better?" she asked.

She hopes the government will take action before another major disaster strikes.

"We’re not asking for luxury—just a safe place where people can go when the water rises. Somewhere that doesn’t depend on whether someone like me decides to open their home."

For now, as flood risks persist, Dalitta is prepared to step up again when her community needs her. "It’s never easy, but when you see everyone safe, that’s what matters most."

Paitan has been hit by two floods this year, with the first in late January displacing around 240 residents. The second occurred on February 27, forcing 57 people from 19 families into relief centres.