KUALA LUMPUR: Perjalanan peperiksaan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Tahun 2024 membabitkan 402,956 calon di 3,337 pusat peperiksaan berjalan lancar, meskipun berlangsung dalam situasi banjir di beberapa negeri ekoran musim Monsun Timur Laut (MTL).

Justeru, Kementerian Pendidikan (KPM) memuji kecekapan dan koordinasi pengurusan bencana di antara agensi dan jabatan kerajaan dalam memastikan peperiksaan yang berlangsung 2 Disember 2024 hingga 6 Februari lalu, dilaksanakan dengan baik.

“Ini adalah hasil kesiapsiagaan awal, pengurusan cekap dan kerjasama erat dengan agensi kerajaan seperti Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara (NADMA), Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM), Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) dan Jabatan Sukarelawan Malaysia (RELA).

“Ia termasuk Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM), Kementerian Kesihatan (KKM), Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri (JPN), pihak sekolah, ibu bapa dan komuniti,” katanya dalam kenyataan hari ini.

Dalam pada itu, KPM turut menzahirkan penghargaan kepada lebih 100,000 petugas peperiksaan yang merangkumi orang awam termasuk pesara guru.

“Setinggi-tinggi penghargaan juga diucapkan kepada semua 126,636 petugas peperiksaan.

“Ia turut melibatkan 5,780 sukarelawan dalam kalangan orang awam termasuk pesara guru yang telah dilantik bagi memastikan kelancaran pengurusan dan pengendalian peperiksaan SPM Tahun 2024,” katanya.

Kepada calon SPM Tahun 2024, KPM mengucapkan syabas dan tahniah kepada mereka atas semangat juang, kecekalan dan kejayaan menduduki peperiksaan termasuk dalam situasi mencabar.

“KPM mendoakan yang terbaik untuk semua calon peperiksaan SPM Tahun 2024. Semoga kejayaan menjadi milik anda untuk terus melakar kecemerlangan pada masa hadapan,” katanya.

KOTA KINABALU: Severe flooding in Kinabatangan has brought tourism to a halt, forcing lodges to close and causing financial losses, cancellations and property damage.

Kinabatangan, known for its vast floodplains, the Kinabatangan River and rich biodiversity, is a top ecotourism destination in Sabah.

The village of Bilit, home to seven river lodges, is among the worst-hit areas, with businesses unable to operate because of rising water levels. Lodge owners have reported unprecedented losses.

Bilit Adventure Lodge owner Johnny Lim described it as the worst flood in Bilit’s history.

“We have been operating for over 20 years and this is the first time we have been forced to shut down like this.

“The boardwalks are submerged and the water is almost knee-deep in some areas. It is unsafe for us to operate,” he said.

Lim, who is also the Kinabatangan Corridor of Life Tourism Operators Association vicepresident, said January and February are usually slow, but this year, there was a surge of tourists from China.

Unfortunately, he said the opportunity was wasted as the floods forced tourist facilities to close.

“Not only did the tourists miss out on experiencing Kinabatangan, we also lost the chance to showcase what we have to offer,” he lamented.

With the floods affecting tourists who had planned river cruises and wildlife excursions, some accepted alternative activities like visiting the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary and the Rainforest Discovery Centre, while others demanded refunds.

The situation worsened when the Kinabatangan disaster management committee announced the temporary closure of the road from Sukau to Kampung Bilit due to rising water levels on Sunday.

“The water level in Kampung Bilit continues to rise. The road is already submerged and impassable to small vehicles.

“Based on the monitoring team’s assessment and in the interest of public safety, the committee recommends that the road from Sukau to Kampung Bilit be closed to all vehicles until conditions improve,” the committee announced.

However, Lim said yesterday that the situation has been improving, with the water receding and the Sukau-bilit road now accessible to 4WDS. He said that once the jetty is no longer submerged, he would reopen his lodge, adding that he estimates this to take about three to four days.

The main attraction, a river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, offers visitors a chance to spot diverse wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, hornbills and even the elusive orangutan in their natural habitat.

It was reported earlier that tourists from Spain and New Zealand expressed disappointment as their planned river cruises and jungle treks had to be cancelled.

Some also noted that wildlife sightings were affected, with animals moving to higher ground to escape the rising water.

Asked if the floods would affect wildlife sightings during river cruises, Lim said day trips are being conducted despite the closure of the lodge.

“There is still a lot of wildlife to be spotted,” he said. Lim also appealed to the state government to provide financial aid to help the tourism operators recover.

“Three of my rooms are completely underwater and our staff quarters is damaged. We will need a massive clean-up,” he added.

KUCHING: A significant allocation is needed to repair roads and hill slopes that were severely damaged by the recent floods in Sarawak, said Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

He said his ministry is currently reviewing how best to assist the Sarawak government in restoration works.

“We have received the request at the state level, and we are looking into how we can help.

“However, we also need to discuss with the Economy Ministry and the Finance Ministry to secure funding,” he told reporters when met after paying a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.

He was accompanied by his deputy Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, Works Ministry secretary general Datuk Seri Azman Ibrahim, and Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) director Dr Cassidy Morris.

Nanta, who had earlier paid courtesy calls on Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan at their respective offices, said this issue was also discussed during his meetings with them.

He said other matters brought up during the meetings were on finding solutions to issues concerning projects in Sarawak and Sabah, particularly those that are delayed or may not be completed within the set timeframe.

“This discussion is timely as next year marks the start of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), where we will coordinate and prioritise the projects needed by Sarawak and Sabah.

“We also gave our feedback on how to implement these projects later or apply for funding from the Ministry of Economy or the Ministry of Finance,” he said.

Nanta said he had briefed Abang Johari on projects that have been approved, are being implemented, as well as those in the pre-implementation stage, continuation projects, and others.

“We provided a comprehensive overview of the Malaysia Plan up to this year, specifically under Rolling Plan 5 of the 12MP.

“These projects include road and bridge infrastructures, and so on, including school buildings and hospitals,” he said.

ON February 10, 2025, an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.8 on the Richter scale occurred in district of Kota Marudu, Sabah. Given the region’s susceptibility to seismic activities, it is imperative for people in Sabah to be well-informed especially in the northern and western region of Sabah and prepared to ensure personal safety and protect property.

Understanding Earthquakes in Sabah

Why Sabah is Prone to Earthquakes?
Sabah, particularly the northern and western regions, has experienced multiple seismic events over the years. While Malaysia is generally considered geologically stable compared to other Southeast Asian nations, Sabah remains an exception due to several key factors. Below are the primary reasons why earthquakes occur in Sabah:

1. Proximity to Tectonic Plate Boundaries

Sabah is located near two major tectonic plate boundaries:
• The Eurasian Plate and Philippine Sea Plate Boundary
• The Indo-Australian Plate and Eurasian Plate Boundary

These plate boundaries are active zones where seismic activity frequently occurs due to tectonic movements, including subduction, collision and faulting. Although Sabah is not directly on these boundaries, its proximity makes it susceptible to stress and energy transfer from seismic events occurring in these areas.

2. Regional Subduction Zones

Sabah is influenced by two major subduction zones:
• The Manila Trench (West of the Philippines)
• The Sulu Trench and Celebes Sea Subduction Zone
(South of Sabah)

These subduction zones result from the Philippine Sea Plate moving underneath the Eurasian Plate and the Indo-Australian Plate pushing against the Eurasian Plate. As these plates interact, stress accumulates, which can cause earthquakes in nearby regions, including Sabah.

3. Local Fault Lines in Sabah

Sabah has multiple active fault lines that contribute to its earthquake activity. Some notable fault systems include:
• The Crocker Fault System – Runs through the western part of Sabah, including Kota Kinabalu, Ranau and Tambunan.
• The Mensaban Fault – Located near Ranau and was responsible for the 2015 magnitude 5.9 earthquake.
• The Tarakan Basin Fault System – Extends into eastern Sabah and contributes to seismic activity.

These fault lines accumulate tectonic stress over time, and when released, they cause earthquakes.

4. Stress Accumulation from Nearby Seismic Activity

Seismic events in neighbouring regions, such as the Philippines and Indonesia, can have an indirect impact on Sabah. When a large earthquake occurs near these regions, the stress from shifting plates may redistribute to weaker fault zones in Sabah, triggering localized earthquakes.

For example:
• The 2015 Sabah Earthquake (5.9 magnitude in Ranau) was believed to be influenced by regional tectonic stress from both the Manila Trench and the active faults in the Crocker Range.

5. Active Volcanic and Seismic Zones in Nearby Regions

Sabah is geographically close to the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Although Sabah itself does not have active volcanoes, nearby regions such as the Philippines and Indonesia have many active volcanic systems that contribute to geological instability.
Volcanic eruptions, underground magma movement, and associated seismic activities in these regions can sometimes affect Sabah due to shared geological structures.

6. Weak Geological Formations

Some areas in Sabah, such as Kundasang and some of the Crocker Ranger areas in Ranau district are composed of young and weak sedimentary rock formations. These formations are more prone to shifting and collapsing when subjected to tectonic stress, increasing the likelihood of earthquakes and landslides.
Additionally, the loose soil and fractured bedrock in these areas make them vulnerable to ground shaking, amplifying the impact of seismic events.

Historical Seismic Events in Sabah

In 2015, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck near Ranau, causing significant damage and fatalities. The tremors were felt in various parts of Sabah, including Kota Marudu. More recently, in March 2020, a mild earthquake with a magnitude of 3.3 was reported in the waters off Kota Marudu. These events underscore the importance of preparedness and awareness among residents.

Immediate Actions During an Earthquake
1. If Indoors:
* Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Drop to your hands and knees to prevent being knocked over. Cover your head and neck with your arms and seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops.
* Stay Away from Windows and Heavy Objects: Move away from glass, windows, outside doors, walls, and anything that could fall, such as lighting fixtures or furniture.
* Do Not Use Elevators: Elevators may become inoperative or unsafe during an earthquake.
2. If Outdoors:
* Move to an Open Area: Find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and utility wires. Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.
* Avoid Coastal Areas: If you are near the coast, be aware of the potential for tsunamis. Move to higher ground immediately if you feel strong shaking.
3. If Driving:
* Pull Over Safely: Stop as quickly as safety permits and stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping under overpasses, bridges, or near buildings, trees, or utility wires.
* Proceed with Caution: Once the shaking stops, proceed with caution, avoiding roads, bridges, or ramps that might have been damaged.

Post-Earthquake Safety Measures
• Check for Injuries: Examine yourself and those around you for injuries. Provide first aid where necessary and seek emergency medical attention for serious injuries.
• Inspect Utilities: Check for gas leaks by smell and sound; if you suspect a leak, turn off the gas, open windows, and leave the building. Do not use electrical switches or open flames until you’re sure there are no gas leaks.
• Stay Informed: Listen to battery-operated radios or televisions for emergency updates and instructions.
• Be Prepared for Aftershocks: These secondary shocks can cause additional damage. Be ready to drop, cover, and hold on if they occur.
• Avoid Damaged Areas: Stay away from damaged buildings and structures.
• Communicate Wisely: Use your phone only for emergency calls to keep lines open for emergency communications.

Protecting Your Property
• Conduct a Home Hazard Hunt: Identify and fix potential hazards in your home, such as securing heavy furniture, appliances and electronics.
• Review Insurance Policies: Ensure that your property insurance covers earthquake damage.
• Strengthen Your Home: If you own your home, consider retrofitting it to better withstand seismic activity.
• Create a Disaster Kit: Assemble a kit with essential items such as water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, medications, important documents, and other necessities.

Community Preparedness
• Participate in Drills: Engage in community earthquake drills to practice and reinforce safety measures.
• Stay Connected: Join local community groups or networks to receive timely information and support during emergencies.
• Educate Your Family: Ensure all family members, including children, are aware of earthquake safety protocols.

Conclusion

While earthquakes cannot be predicted, being prepared can significantly reduce the risk of injury and property damage. Sabahans are encouraged to stay informed, remain vigilant, and take proactive steps to ensure their safety and the safety of their loved ones.