OFFICIAL PORTAL
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
PRIME MINISTER'S DEPARTMENT
NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY
KOTA KINABALU (Feb 24): The Sabah State Government will collaborate with all stakeholders to combat climate change and its challenges, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said the State Government is taking steps in this direction, including agroforestry programmes, organic farming incentives, and community-based conservation projects aimed at building resilience among local populations.
“However, these efforts require sustained support not only from within Malaysia but also from international partners committed to fostering sustainable development,” he said at the Kinabalu Convention 2025: Food Security, Climate Change and Investment at the Magellan Sutera Resort here on Monday.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister/Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
He said addressing food insecurity and climate change requires more than goodwill since it demands substantial financial resources and strategic partnerships.
“The private sector is called upon to get involved and complement efforts by the government. We invite businesses, investors and all like-minded organisations to explore green investments to address these issues,” he said.
According to a recent estimate by the United Nations (UN Report 2023), globally, nearly 733 million people face hunger every day, while rising food prices, supply chain disruptions, and extreme weather events have only exacerbated this crisis, he said.
“For Malaysia, and especially for Sabah, our reliance on imported staples like rice and wheat makes us vulnerable to external shocks, making food security a pressing concern,” he said.
Hajiji said addressing food security begins with confronting its root cause, which is climate change.
In Sabah, rising temperatures, unpredictable monsoon seasons, and intensified storms are devastating crops, destroying livelihoods, and displacing families, he said, adding coastal areas were increasingly vulnerable to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, further jeopardising both agriculture and drinking water supplies.
He said that worsening these challenges was deforestation, eroding ecosystems critical for carbon sequestration and biodiversity.
“While these trends are alarming, they are not irreversible. Combating climate change is not only an environmental necessity but also a moral obligation to future generations.
“By investing in renewable energy, promoting reforestation, and adopting climate-smart agriculture, we can mitigate the worst effects of global warming and secure long-term food availability,” he said
The Chief Minister said the convention offered an opportune platform to discuss, share knowledge and commit to concrete actions that included strengthening regional cooperation, promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering local communities.
PENAMPANG (Feb 24): The flood disaster in Sabah early this year affected a total of 3,120 household heads (KIR) involving 9,735 victims who were relocated to 68 temporary evacuation centres (PPS), said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the chairman of the central disaster management committee, said that Sabah experienced two flood episodes: the first from 17 to 20 January, involving three districts, while the second episode took place from 27 January to 16 February, affecting 14 districts.
“The flood disaster in Sabah also caused damage to several public infrastructure, such as suspension bridges in Kota Marudu and Pitas districts,” he said in a statement that was issued following the National Disaster Management No.1/2025 High Level Committee meeting held at the Federal Secretary’s Office in Sabah on Monday.
He explained that the meeting discussed issues and solutions related to the flood disaster situation in the Sabah and Sarawak regions, which have been affected since January 2025.
Ahmad Zahid also said that Sabah experienced the highest average rainfall of 900mm, compared to the usual 450mm during the 2024/2025 Northeast Monsoon (MTL).
He added that data recorded a total of 5,012 heads of households (KIR) involving 16,670 victims affected by the floods who took shelter in 85 PPS. However, 32,901 families were affected by the floods but did not relocate to PPS,” he added.
Ahmad Zahid also said that a total of 60 KIR involving 209 victims took shelter at the Dewan Kampung Sukan Petronas following the landslide at Kampung Lereng Bukit, Miri.
He said that the Sarawak State Government is currently identifying temporary housing areas to relocate these families to provide comfort for elderly people, children and pregnant women, especially while Kampung Lereng Bukit is being rebuilt and slope issues are being addressed.
“Sarawak estimates that 1,335 public infrastructure projects have been damaged and require immediate repairs and maintenance due to the recent floods,” he said.
He added that to address the flood disaster, flood mitigation projects are being implemented by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) and will be closely monitored to ensure no delays that could impact efforts to reduce floods once the projects are completed.
“The government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, is highly prioritising this issue and is committed to ensuring that all flood mitigation projects are carried out efficiently, effectively, and according to schedule for the safety and well-being of the people,” he assured.
He said that in Sabah, a total of 14 flood mitigation projects will be implemented.
“Two flood mitigation projects have been completed and are in the defect liability period, ten projects are under construction, and two projects are in the pre-implementation phase,” he said.
As for Sarawak, a total of ten flood mitigation projects have been planned, two of which have been completed and are also in the defect liability period, two projects are under construction, and six projects are in the pre-implementation phase, he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister also said that as an immediate measure, the meeting has approved the construction of a Permanent Disaster Evacuation Centre (PPKB) in Long Busang, Belaga district, Sarawak.
He said that for the PPKBs in other areas, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) will cooperate with the Ministry of Education.
“As of now, only one PPKB has been built in Johor, which is located at Dewan Serbaguna Taman Kota Jaya, Kota Tinggi.
“For the long-term mitigation plan, NADMA, together with JPS, will implement the plan, including leveraging AI and the latest technology, particularly in disaster management and risk reduction,” he said.
Negeri Sembilan MB calls for end to corruption, commission-seeking culture among civil servants
- Admin UKK
- Berita
TAMPIN: Civil servants in Negeri Sembilan have been urged to uphold integrity and eliminate the culture of requesting commissions under the pretext of welfare funds.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun warned that strict actions would be taken against those found guilty of such practices.
“Some may still be accustomed to old practices. This must stop and I’m giving full authority to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to take firm action if there are reports or cases,” he said in his speech at the Tampin District Government Administration Assembly 2025 today.
He also urged the MACC to disseminate information on these issues to all state departments and agencies.
Aminuddin also emphasised the importance of the value of Qawwam, which will guide the state government’s administration this year.
This value ensures that all actions are based on ethics, justice, equality and balance, without exceeding necessary limits and should be instilled within an organisation.
On a different matter, Aminuddin praised the swift, organised and systematic actions of the agencies and enforcement officers in Tampin District who ensured the safe relocation of 2,233 flood victims to 13 temporary relief centres (PPS) in December.
He added that the state and federal governments allocated RM1 million through the Bantuan Wang Ehsan financial aid for the flood relief.
“The flood experience also demonstrated a good example of cooperation among all agencies, showing their commitment to diligently carrying out responsibilities in helping flood victims,” said Aminuddin.
He acknowledged that flood issues now no longer follow monsoon patterns which showed everyone the importance of being prepared at all times and taking earlier preventive measures.
'Bantuan Wang Ihsan' for flood victims to be distributed via BSN starting this year, says Ahmad Zahid
- Admin UKK
- Berita
KOTA KINABALU: The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF) have agreed to distribute the Bantuan Wang Ihsan (Compassionate Aid) for flood victims through Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) starting this year, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said this would be a departure from the conventional method of distributing aid through District Offices and the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said the Bantuan Wang Ihsan had been handed over to state governments for distribution to flood victims evacuated to temporary relief centres (PPS). However, some flood victims did not stay at PPS.
"Therefore, starting this year, Nadma and MOF have changed the distribution method to no longer follow the conventional system. We have held discussions to ensure that the list of relocated flood victims receives the Bantuan Wang Ihsan through BSN.
"This means they can go to BSN to claim the Bantuan Wang Ihsan," he told reporters after visiting the Kota Kinabalu Lido Flood Mitigation Project here Monday (Feb 24).
Also present was Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also the Penampang Member of Parliament.
Ahmad Zahid mentioned that the governments of Sabah and Sarawak had requested to direct Bantuan Wang Ihsan to flood victims who did not move to PPS. To do this, it would be necessary to verify their status as flood victims.
"In this matter, we have undertaken governance measures to confirm that floods indeed affect them. We will obtain verification from the District Disaster Committee before implementing this policy adjustment," he said.
Meanwhile, he said the recent Northeast Monsoon (MTL), which ended with floods in Sabah and Sarawak, resulted in approximately 223,000 cumulative flood victims being evacuated.
"We have provided sufficient PPS facilities capable of accommodating around 2.1 million flood victims," he said, expressing gratitude to all parties, especially those who worked tirelessly to assist people affected by the disaster. – Bernama
BINTULU (Feb 25): Offshore contractor Allseas Marine Contractors Sdn Bhd on Sunday stepped forward to assist SK Kampung Jepak students affected by the recent devastating floods with a contribution of school supplies.
Allseas general manager Allard Heerema said many of the company’s employees were similarly affected by the Jan 29 disaster, which had also flooded neighbourhoods so close to the company’s onshore gas plant construction site.
“We can only imagine the impact on your homes and possessions, and we were relieved to hear that several groups within the community here had contributed immediate support in rebuilding the areas,” he said.
He added that Allseas felt it was necessary to make a modest contribution to support the students.
“It is very important that life can get back to normal again, that the people can look forward again especially for the school-going children.”
Meanwhile, Allseas Malaysia senior project manager Ragesh Kumar Lingam said the company hoped the assistance would alleviate the burden experienced by parents in preparing basic school supplies for their children.
He also thanked the Bintulu district office for its cooperation in ensuring the success of the programme.
Bintulu district education officer Awangku Ali Udin Awang Adenani in his speech at the handover ceremony expressed gratitude to Allseas for the contribution.
“This effort plays a crucial role in strengthening relationships between agencies, schools, local residents, and the involved companies, while fostering a culture of volunteerism and social responsibility among the community and students,” he said.