KOTA KINABALU – A Penampang family whose house was destroyed in a landslide yesterday received some measure of comfort when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob made a surprise visit to meet them.
The Bera MP, in Sabah for a working visit during Malaysia Day, took time out to survey the landslide site and speak with the family who live in Kg Madsiang, Penampang.
Doraly John, 36, the owner of the destroyed house, says he is grateful that the prime minister has promised to extend help to his family.
“I am truly grateful for the aid and the prime minister has promised to help us rebuild our home.
“We can’t rebuild the old one, so it will be a new house for our family,” he said near his house today.
Recalling yesterday’s incident, John said he had just arrived home with his wife from Donggongon town to find their house had caved in under a landslide following heavy rainfall.
In a panic, he rushed into his damaged home in search of his four children, who were found safe inside one of the rooms at the edge of the house.
“I was injured while trying to save my children. The cement and wood had fallen down on me while I was inside trying to save my children,” said John, whose right leg is bandaged.
He said that last night’s thunderstorm was the worst they had ever experienced throughout the 20 years they have been living in the village.
John also expressed his thanks to the firemen and others who had come forward to aid and console his family, saying that they are now staying at his sister’s place nearby.
A thunderstorm caused flooding in many parts of Kota Kinabalu, Putatan and Penampang, destroying properties after the intense rainfall lashed the area from 1pm to 5.30pm yesterday.
John’s home, which was built on a slope, was destroyed after earth from the hill in front of his home gushed down about 3pm.
John’s mother, Jamina Kigut, 58, said she is thankful to Ismail Sabri for visiting the family, adding that there were three families living in the same house.
She said that Ismail Sabri said, as due to the ruined state of the house, it is not fit for repairs and must be completely rebuilt.
“I hope everything will be smooth. I am still dazed. I don’t know how to deal with this, I have children and also grandchildren who are still schooling.
“I am tired and have a headache for talking too much,” she said.
Sabah Community Development and People’s Well-being Minister Shahelmy Yahya, who accompanied the prime minister on the visit, said aid will be distributed as soon as possible.
He said Ismail Sabri decided to visit the family after hearing about the incident during a state development briefing earlier today.
“At this point, we are still collecting data of the victims and will distribute all the aid whenever it is possible,” he said.
Shahelmy added that the Meteorological Department has indicated that current inclement weather conditions are being caused by the year-end monsoon change.
Towards this end, he said irregular weather conditions are expected until the end of the year, and advised residents in flood-prone areas to be make preparations for emergencies. – The Vibes, September 16, 2021
