SABAH Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry is renewing calls for federal help, saying lives will remain at risk unless long-delayed flood control projects get the green light.
The ministry is led by Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan who is also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister.
In a statement, it said the floods and landslides that claimed 13 lives this week, among them children, parents and a 97-year-old grandfather, are a painful reminder that Sabahans live in fear every monsoon.
“Sabahans have suffered too long every time heavy rain falls. We cannot wait for the next tragedy. The lives of our people must come first,” it said.
Years of delay
It said projects like the Sungai Moyog Basin Development in Penampang were planned years ago but denied federal funding since the 11th Malaysia Plan.
“This is the long-term solution that can protect lives, property and the future of Sabahans,” the ministry said in urging Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to release the RM900 million needed.
Seven people died in Kampung Cenderakasih, Kota Kinabalu.
Three members of a family were killed in Kampung Marahang Tuntul, Papar. A mother and son perished in Kampung Mook, Papar, while a 97-year-old man was buried in Kampung Sarapung, Penampang.
One Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd worker is still missing after being swept away by floodwaters while on duty. - September 18, 2025
