SABAH DAP Sabah has urged that Malaysia Day celebrations be called off, warning that the state is facing a growing humanitarian crisis from days of relentless floods and landslides.
Its chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the disasters, which have damaged homes, displaced families, and cut electricity and water supplies, required the undivided focus of government agencies on relief and recovery rather than ceremonial events.
He said hundreds have been forced into relief centres in districts such as Kota Kinabalu and Penampang, while a landslide that toppled a 275kV transmission tower triggered a blackout across Sabah’s east coast, recently.
At the same time, water treatment plants have been shut down, leaving many communities without clean water, he added.
“Malaysia Day must not be about parades while people are in shelters without food or basic utilities. The truest way to honour the day is through service and solidarity,” he said.
Malaysia Day, observed on 16 September, marks the 1963 formation of Malaysia with Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore.
DAP Sabah noted that Kuala Lumpur cancelled Merdeka celebrations in 2024 after a sinkhole tragedy, while Selangor suspended Aidilfitri festivities following a deadly fire in Putra Heights in 2025.
“These examples showed compassion above ceremony, the same principle must apply in Sabah today,” Phoong said.
The party urged state and federal authorities to intensify emergency response, deploy more personnel, and provide fast-tracked assistance to affected families.
Sabah DAP also pledged cooperation with local councils, NGOs, and community leaders to ensure aid distribution reaches those in need.
“At this difficult time, all resources must be channelled into relief efforts,” Phoong added. - September 15, 2025
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