DEPUTY Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has directed federal and state agencies to move quickly to restore vital infrastructure and support victims after floods and landslides killed at least 13 people in Sabah.
One of the worst disruptions occurred in Papar, where the Sungai Kaiduan bridge collapsed, cutting off access to several communities.
Zahid said modular steel bridges previously supplied by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) would be deployed immediately, with the Sabah Public Works Department and the Royal Engineer Regiment tasked with installation.
“The priority is to restore connectivity so that people are not cut off,” he said, adding that Nadma had prepared three modular bridges for emergencies in Sabah.
Repairs are also under way along the Penampang–Tambunan road, which was severely damaged by landslides.
Efforts include clearing debris, stabilising slopes, rebuilding collapsed suspension bridges, reconstructing retaining walls in residential areas affected by erosion, and repairing washed-out sections of road.
Alongside government action, non-governmental organisations and local residents have been distributing humanitarian aid such as ready-to-eat food, daily necessities, mattresses and other supplies.
Zahid expressed gratitude to volunteers for helping ease the burden on displaced families and said he hoped recovery would be swift so that affected communities could return to normal life soon.
State disaster officials said floods and landslides have displaced nearly 3,000 residents.
The Sabah Disaster Management Committee reported that 2,955 people from 795 households in six districts have been affected, with 96 villages hit and 23 evacuation centres still open.
Beaufort recorded the largest number of affected villages at 46, while Penampang saw 940 displaced residents across 24 villages.
Membakut and Putatan reported rising numbers with 883 and 553 residents impacted respectively, while Tawau and Papar also registered dozens of households displaced.
The Civil Defence Force said conditions in Beaufort, Penampang, Tawau and Papar remain stable but warned of further slope failures if heavy rain continues.
A prolonged downpour from Sunday evening until Monday caused major floods and landslides, leaving at least 13 people dead in mudslide incidents in two districts.
Seven victims were found in Kampung Cenderakasih, an illegal settlement in Kota Kinabalu.
Three others died in Kampung Mook, while two more were killed in Kampung Marahang Tuntul in Papar.
Separately, a fisherman was found drowned in Kuala Penyu, the same day.
The overall death toll has reached 14.
This includes a 97-year-old man in Kampung Sarapung, Penampang, who was killed last week when his house was struck by a mudslide. - September 17, 2025
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