UPGRADING facilities at relief centres and providing ready-to-eat, retort-packaged meals will be among the government’s focus in efforts to better care for flood victims.

Sabah and Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions Minister Armizan Mohd Ali said most centres are set up at public halls and schools, which have their own constraints.

He said the government constantly has to improve the facilities, especially toilets and bathrooms, at those centres.

“As a long-term measure to address the issue, the government plans to build permanent relief centres in flood-prone areas in the country.

“We are looking at flood hotspot locations, such as Kota Marudu, Pitas and Beaufort in Sabah,” he told reporters after visiting a relief centre at SMK Tandek in Kota Marudu today.

Armizan said the government has started providing ready-to-eat, retort-packaged meals to flood victims in Sabah during this northeast monsoon season. 

“So far, we have distributed over 2,400 food packets, but there are some weaknesses – among them, late food delivery and logistical issues,” he said. 

Armizan said preparations have been made by all agencies involved to face the current monsoon surge, which is concentrated on the peninsular east coast and Sabah, expected to last until February 4. – Bernama, January 28, 2023.