MORE PEOPLE EVACUATED IN SABAH, SARAWAK OPENS FIRST PPS

KUALA LUMPUR,  Feb 21 (Bernama) -- The flood situation in Sabah worsened today, with more victims being evacuated, while Sarawak activated its first relief centre (PPS)  in Kuching.

In SABAH, the State Disaster Management Committee Secretariat (JPBN) said the number of flood victims had increased to 4,652 people as of 4 pm today, compared to 3,768 at noon.

“The victims, involving 1,799 families, are accommodated at 25 PPS in the three affected districts, namely Pitas, Kota Marudu and Paitan.

“Pitas recorded an increase in the number of victims to 2,013 people (787 families) compared to 1,653 people (621 families) at noon, while Paitan recorded a sharp increase to 716 victims (234 families) from only 192 victims earlier,” it said in a statement.

In Kota Marudu, the number of victims remained at 1,923 people, involving 778 families.

Meanwhile, in SARAWAK, the state Disaster Management and Emergency Management Agency (JPBN) said a PPS was opened at the Darul Istiqlaal Mosque, Kampung Sungai Maong, Kuching,  at 11 am today.

“A total of 63 victims from 17 families have been evacuated to the PPS, and the number is continuing to rise,”  it said in a statement.

Last Wednesday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department predicted continued humid weather in Sabah and Sarawak throughout this week, with rain expected in several areas following the passage of monsoon winds entering the country.

-- BERNAMA