PAPAR, SABAH, Malaysia Sept 17, 2025 – A wave of grief has swept across Sabah as devastating landslides and floods ravaged several districts, including Penampang, Papar, Beaufort, Membakut, Putatan, Tawau, and Kota Kinabalu, particularly affecting areas such as Kampung Cenderakasih, Kolombong, Kampung Mook, Kampung Marahang, Kampung Sarapung, and Kampung Marahang Gana.
In a heartfelt statement, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the 13 victims who lost their lives in the disaster. Seven fatalities were reported in Kota Kinabalu, including Kampung Cenderakasih, five in Papar, and one in Penampang.
“May the families find strength and resilience in facing this profound loss,” he said.
Currently attending the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, China, as part of an official visit, Dato’ Sri Fadillah delegated his Political Secretary, Datuk Hamzah Brahim, to represent him in Sabah. Datuk Hamzah visited affected communities at relief centers, including Tandugal Public Hall in Kampung Mook, Kinarut; Marahang Hall in Papar; and Papar Community Hall, to deliver aid and support to the victims.
At the Tandugal Public Hall relief center, assistance was provided to Encik Aristhotle @ Jude Joseph, 48, who tragically lost his wife, Emily Johnny, 38, and their 11-year-old daughter, Xa Myre Aristhotle, in a landslide that destroyed their home. Similarly, at the Kampung Marahang relief center, aid was extended to Encik Benney Binjamis, 37, who lost his wife, Wong Moi Ling @ Meymey, 34, and their two children, Kamey Asphereynda Benney, 10, and Christen Kell Benney, 6, to another landslide. Additional support was channeled through Puan Juddy George, the Papar District Welfare Officer, to the Tandugal and Papar Community Hall relief centers.
Fadillah also expressed gratitude to all parties involved in the relief efforts, including the Sabah State Government, Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Force, Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Armed Forces, RELA, Drainage and Irrigation Department, Social Welfare Department, Health Department, and various agencies, volunteers, NGOs, and local communities.
“Their collective efforts reflect our unity in times of crisis,” he noted.
The Deputy Prime Minister called for continued solidarity and prayed for the swift recovery of all affected areas in Sabah. “May those impacted by this tragedy find the strength to rebuild, and may normalcy return to the affected regions soon,” he added.