By WU VUIDE
KOTA BELUD: Deputy Chief Minister III and Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, has instructed all departments, agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs) under the ministry to submit their respective preparedness reports to deal with flood situations.
He said the move is important to ensure that the ministry, as well as the relevant departments and agencies, are able to take swift and effective action in addressing any unforeseen incidents.
“I will be obtaining reports from the Permanent Secretary from time to time on this matter.
“This Wednesday, I will be chairing a ministry meeting involving all departments, agencies and GLCs under MINDET after the Cabinet meeting,” he said.
“Among the main matters I wish to examine is the level of preparedness of the relevant departments in carrying out their respective responsibilities, particularly in relation to the flood situation currently affecting several areas,” he added.
Ewon said this at the Christmas and New Year 2026 Open House celebration at the Kadamaian Square Hall.
At present, two temporary evacuation centres (PPS) have been opened in the districts of Kota Belud and Beaufort.
Ewon said the flood situation in Beaufort requires close attention as it has the potential to pose safety risks to railway service users in the area.
As such, he will request the Sabah Railway Department and other relevant departments to submit detailed reports on the current situation, including mitigation measures that are being implemented and planned.
He said that, so far, he has not received any reports regarding the suspension of railway services.
“However, we will continue to monitor the flood situation in Beaufort.
“If there is a need to suspend services due to unsafe railway routes, I believe that would be the best decision as we do not want to take any risks,” he said.
He also stressed that safety must remain the number one priority of the Railway Department, even though the Beaufort–Kota Kinabalu service is used by many passengers, including civil servants working in Kota Kinabalu.
Meanwhile, more than 5,000 people attended the open house celebration in Kadamaian.
He said the event served as an important platform to engage with the people and to appreciate their continued support during the last election.
Touching on Sabah’s claims under the Malaysia Agreement, Ewon stressed that the matter is not the responsibility of a single party alone, but rather that of the Sabah Government, which must involve all parties and all elected representatives at both the State Legislative Assembly and Parliamentary levels.
Ewon (centre), cutting the festive celebration cake as guests look on.
