KOTA BELUD, SABAH, MALAYSIA January 5, 2026 – Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) Datuk Ewon Benedick has instructed all departments, agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs) under his ministry to present detailed reports on their flood preparedness.
Speaking to reporters at the Kadamaian Christmas and New Year 2026 Open House at Dewan Kadamaian Square today, Ewon emphasised that the reports are crucial to enable swift and effective responses to any emergency situations.
“I will be receiving regular updates from the Permanent Secretary, who is the head of the civil service, on this matter,” he said.
Ewon added that he will chair a full Ministry Meeting on Wednesday, immediately after the Cabinet meeting, involving all departments, agencies and GLCs under MINDET.
“A key item on the agenda will be to review the level of preparedness of the respective departments in carrying out their responsibilities, particularly in relation to the current flood situation affecting several areas,” he explained.
Two temporary relief centres (PPS) are currently operational in the districts of Kota Belud and Beaufort.
Ewon highlighted the need for close attention to the flooding in Beaufort due to potential safety risks to railway users in the area.
He said he will direct the Sabah State Railway Department and related agencies to present comprehensive reports on the current situation, including ongoing and planned mitigation measures.
To date, Ewon said he has not received any reports of train service suspensions.
“This will be discussed at the ministry meeting on Wednesday. In the meantime, we will continue monitoring the flood situation in Beaufort.
“If it becomes necessary to suspend services because the railway track is unsafe, I believe that would be the best decision, as we do not want to take any risks,” he stressed.
He reiterated that safety must remain the top priority for the Railway Department, even though the Beaufort–Kota Kinabalu route is heavily used by passengers, including civil servants commuting to the state capital.
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