MEMBAKUT: Worsening floods in this Sabah sub-district has forced the evacuation of more residents from their inundated homes.
As of last night, 90 people from 31 families are taking shelter at a temporary relief centre (PPS) in Selangon, here – up from 46 people earlier in the day.
The victims are residents of Kampung Bambangan, Kampung Sinoko, Kampung Sindok, Kampung Baitam Ulu, Kampung Baitam Laut, Kampung Lumantak and Kampung Kayai.
"The evacuation was quite slow, as rescue personnel had a difficult time persuading victims to (leave).
"The villagers were reluctant to be evacuated (at first), as the relief centre is located far from their homes," district police chief Deputy Superintendent Azmir Abd Razak said.
He added that several agencies were involved in the evacuation process, including the police, the Civil Defence Department, the Fire and Rescue Department, the district office and the Welfare Department.
"Personnel from the Malaysian Volunteer Corps (Rela) and the Health Department also assisted in the operation," Azmir said.