PENAMPANG: The number of flood victims relocated to the Penampang temporary evacuation centre recently did not accurately reflect the true number of people affected by the disaster on June 30.
Penampang member of parliament Datuk Ewon Benedick said many victims who were trapped in their homes were not evacuated to the centre.
"I have informed Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that the number victims relocated to evacuation centres does not represent the actual number of families affected by the flood.
"Therefore, I suggested that the list of victims be reviewed. Penampang District Officer Francis Chong, who chairs the Disaster Management Committee, has prepared a special form for the registration of flood victims.
"The district Disaster Management Committee will then inform National Disaster Management Agency of the actual number of affected families," said Ewon, who is Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister.
He was speaking to reporters after launching the Sales Gallery and Launch of Sky88 Residences Bundusan here.
In addition to addressing the immediate flood response, Ewon highlighted the need for development planning to keep pace with the rapid growth of housing projects in Sabah, particularly in Penampang.
He said rapid growth created challenges for local authorities and technical departments, particularly in aspects such as drainage and irrigation.
"In this regard, the municipal council, district office, Town and Regional Planning Department, and other technical departments like the Drainage and Irrigation Department, Water Department, and Public Works Department need to prepare a better plan."