PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for enhanced safety and welfare measures for flood victims in Sabah, as the number of evacuees continues to rise and rescue teams recover the body of a 97-year-old man buried in a landslide in Penampang.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Anwar urged all agencies involved to continue ramping up efforts on the ground.
“Authorities and security agencies must continue and intensify rescue efforts, ensure the welfare and basic needs of victims are fulfilled, and provide the best possible protection until the situation stabilises,” he wrote.
“I urge residents in high-risk areas to remain vigilant, obey the instructions of the authorities, and evacuate immediately when told to do so, as the safety of one’s family must take priority.”
Anwar expressed sorrow over the worsening flood situation, which has displaced more than 400 residents in Penampang and Beaufort.
“I am saddened by reports of worsening floods in Sabah, as more than 400 victims in Penampang and Beaufort have been forced to leave their homes and take shelter in temporary evacuation centres,” he said.
As of Friday morning, the number of flood victims in Sabah had increased to 409 people from 110 families, up from 154 people the previous night.
The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee confirmed that 255 victims from 56 families were relocated in Penampang, while 154 victims from 54 families were evacuated in Beaufort. In Beaufort, evacuees were moved to the Permanent Evacuation Centre (PPK) in Selagon.
Meanwhile, tragedy struck in Kampung Sarapung, Penampang, where the body of a 97-year-old man was discovered buried in mud and debris following a landslide that occurred on Thursday.
Senior Fire Superintendent Zeno Tinggalan of the Penampang Fire and Rescue Station said the body was recovered at 10.35am on Friday from the lower floor of the victim’s partially wooden, two-storey home.
“The second day of search-and-rescue operations began this morning with tree-cutting, clearing of debris, and digging using manual tools while awaiting machinery from the Public Works Department (JKR),” he said.
“The victim was found beneath the house and then carried 750 metres to a safe area with the help of police and local villagers. The body was handed over to the police for further action. The operation concluded at 11.30am.”
Another victim, a woman in her 60s, managed to escape the landslide with minor injuries and is reported to be in stable condition.
The landslide, which buried the home on Thursday, left one person trapped while the other was rescued by members of the public. - September 12, 2025
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