KINABATANGAN: Wed 27th Jan 2010
The state Government wants houses built close to river banks to be relocated to higher grounds to avoid flooding.Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said towards this end,the Government would submit a proposal to the National Housing Department and Syarikat PerumahanNegara Berhad (SPNB) which would include identifying suitable sites and development plans for the resettlement of such homes.
"The Government is mindful of the plight of flood victims and,therefore has and willtake initiatives to reduce the risk of flooding including possible relocation of houses builtprecariously close to rivers,"he said.
He said this after being briefed by Kinabatangan District Officer,Abdul Latif Kandok,on the flood situation in Kinabatangan and handing out assistance to flood victims at a mosque in Batu Putih,here,Tuesday.
Some 803 families or 4,766 individuals have been affected by the flood,out of which 405 people were relocated to flood relief centres.A total of 317 families from throught the Kinabatangan area received aid.
"I also wish to point out that the Government will do its level best to assist not only victims who have been relocated to temporary relief centres but also those who havebeen staying with their relatives," he said.
Musa, who is also State Finance Minister,said the people must also heed the directives on evacuation and necessary precautions fromthe relevant authorities.
The Chief Minister was accompanied during the visit by Sukau State Assemblyman Saddi Abdul Rahman, Kinabatangan District Officer Abdul Latiff Kandok,Kinabatangan Umno deputy head Jefri Ariffin and State andFederal department officers as well as comunity leaders.
