Ewon monitors flood situation, aids disaster centres, postpones ministry meeting

30 June 2024

PENAMPANG: Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick said that he had to postpone a ministry meeting and several other programs in Kuala Lumpur scheduled for tomorrow (July 1) due to the flood disaster in Penampang.

Ewon, who is also Member of Parliament for Penampang, said that he had informed the Prime Minister, Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, about the current flood situation in Penampang and his absence from the National Economic Action Council (NEAC) meeting tomorrow morning due to this disaster.

"I was supposed to take the 5:20 am flight tomorrow to Kuala Lumpur.

"I have also informed about the postponement of the agency briefing of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC) and my replacement for an interview with BERNAMA tomorrow night," he said in a post on his social media (Ewon Benedick Official Media) today.

Ewon spent time visiting the disaster control centre and flood victim relocation centre at the Sabah Cultural Center in Penampang with Penampang District Officer Francis Chong, Assistant District Officer, and the District Disaster Committee.

"The Penampang District Officer has declared the opening of this disaster center at 5:25 pm following heavy rain in Penampang since 1:30 pm today that resulted in floods.

"The security forces consisting of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) assisted by the WRS 4x4 Club are conducting rescue and relocation operations for flood victims. However, this operation is also affected by strong currents," he said.

Ewon said as he wrote this, several main roads in Penampang were impassable. Electricity supply was also cut off in several villages and residential areas. Landslides in three areas have rendered main routes impassable, including the Penampang - Tambunan Road.

The collision of the high tide seawater with the river water has caused this massive flood.

"I used a 4x4 WRS Club member's vehicle to conduct a brief survey earlier and saw many vehicles stuck.

"I have donated RM20,000 to the District Disaster Committee for the needs related to rescue operations and other needs at the disaster relocation center.

"Let us pray for the rescue and relocation operations of the disaster victims to proceed smoothly. Also, for everyone to take cautious steps," he said.