SANDAKAN — The Sandakan District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD) has officially declared the district a landslide disaster area, citing unsafe conditions in parts of the town following a fatal incident. The declaration was made on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. by Walter Kenson, chairman of the committee and also president of the Sandakan Municipal Council.

Immediate Safety Measures Implemented

Kenson stated that the declaration was based on reports from field agencies following inspections at the landslide site and Block 10 building on Lebuh Empat in the town center. The affected area has been deemed unsafe for occupation until further inspections confirm that it is safe for habitation.

‘For the time being, the affected area is unsafe for occupation until further inspections related to the landslide are carried out and the area is confirmed safe to inhabit,’ Kenson said in a statement released on Wednesday.

In response to the crisis, a temporary relief center (PPS) was opened at the Sandakan Community Hall at noon on the same day to provide support and aid to those affected by the disaster.

Fatal Landslide Incident

The declaration comes in the wake of a tragic incident where Agustine Frederick J. Lingam, 76, was killed after being buried in a landslide behind a hotel in Sandakan town. Lingam was attempting to start the hotel’s generator when the incident occurred.

According to reports, heavy rain and a power outage at the hotel had occurred prior to the incident, prompting Lingam to go outside to start the generator. This tragic event has raised concerns about the safety of infrastructure and the preparedness of local authorities in the face of natural disasters.

‘The incident highlights the need for improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in the region,’ said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous.

Historical Precedents and Regional Concerns

This is not the first time that Sandakan has faced significant natural disasters. In 2015, the town experienced severe flooding that displaced hundreds of residents and caused extensive damage to property. The current situation has reignited discussions about the vulnerability of the area to landslides and other climate-related events.

Experts note that the region’s topography, combined with increasing rainfall due to climate change, makes it more prone to landslides. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the area has seen an average of 200 mm of rainfall per month in recent years, with some months recording over 300 mm.

Local officials have acknowledged the need for more thorough disaster risk management strategies. ‘We are working closely with state and federal agencies to implement measures that will help mitigate the risks associated with landslides and other natural disasters,’ Kenson said in a recent meeting with community leaders.

Meanwhile, residents are calling for immediate action to address the safety concerns in the affected area. ‘We need more transparency and clear communication from the authorities about the risks and what needs to be done to protect our community,’ said another local resident.

With the declaration of the landslide disaster area, the focus is now on ensuring the safety of the residents and providing adequate support to those affected by the incident. The situation remains under close monitoring by local and national authorities.