Humanitarian aid transported to flood victims in Sabah
KOTA
KINABALU: The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has transported close to RM350,000 worth of humanitarian aid stock under its 'Bantuan MINDEF Prihatin' programme to be distributed to flood victims in Sabah.
The contribution, which includes batik cloth, sarung, telekung, foldable mattresses, mat, hygiene kits, children's sweaters and blankets, were handed over by the Fifth Infantry Division Commander Major General Datuk Mohd Halim Khalid to Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Yakubah Khan at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) Terminal 2 here yesterday.
Mohd Halim said the initiative was launched by Senior Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, with the aim to assist victims affected by the recent floods to alleviate their burden.
He said Sabah was the third state to receive such assistance, after Johor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.
He added that the Fifth Infantry Division in cooperation with the Fifth Brigade would facilitate the distribution of the aid to 13 districts in Sabah, including Tuaran, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Kudat, Papar, Kimanis, Beaufort, Sipitang, Sepanggar, Penampang, Putatan and Silam.
Meanwhile, Yakubah hoped the assistance would ease the burden of flood victims, who were also facing the Covid-19 pandemic.
On behalf of the State Government and Sabah Umno leadership, he thanked MINDEF for the contribution and to the army for helping the people during the flood.
He also urged more individuals with the financial capability to step forward to help those in need.
On the other hand, Affin Bank also contributed RM120,000 to the flood victims.
Also present was Political Secretary to the Defence Minister, Datuk Syed Mohd Fazmi Sayid.