SABAH Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor expressed hope for a temporary political ceasefire as Sabah recovers from the deadly landslides and floods, stressing that the government’s sole focus now is on helping victims.
“Right now I am not thinking about dissolution or politics. Our focus is on the victims,” Hajiji said after visiting Kampung Mook on Wednesday to pay his last respects to the family of two victims who perished in a landslide on September 15.
His remarks come as Sabah edges closer to a fresh election. Hajiji must first dissolve the assembly, though it will automatically stand dissolved on November 11 if he chooses to wait until the last possible moment.
During his visit, Hajiji also met Jude Joseph, 48, who lost his wife Emily Johnny, a 38-year-old nurse, and their youngest son, 11-year-old Xarell Myre Aristothle, when their hillside home collapsed as they slept.
Hajiji, who stopped at the hall to offer condolences, announced immediate assistance for affected families.
Each victim’s next of kin will receive RM10,000 from the state government, another RM10,000 from the Sabah Welfare Foundation, and RM30,000 to rebuild destroyed homes.
Three houses in Kampung Mook in Papar were wiped out in the disaster.
“This is the moment to show there are no political boundaries. All agencies and the people must come together to help,” Hajiji said.
He added that state and federal teams were already working side by side to restore damaged infrastructure, channel food aid and provide temporary shelter.
But he admitted the scale of destruction exposed Sabah’s vulnerability and the need for stronger disaster preparedness in future.
Across Sabah, 2,956 people remain displaced in 24 evacuation centres spread over six districts – Beaufort, Penampang, Tawau, Membakut, Papar and Putatan.
Thirteen lives were lost in the floods and landslides, while one person, a Sabah Electricity technician, is still missing after being swept away by strong currents in Keningau late last night. - September 17, 2025
