Agencies urged to assist elderly Penampang woman whose flood-damaged home faces collapse

PENAMPANG (Feb 2): Relevant state government agencies have been urged to immediately look into the plight of Irene Chang Lee Thiam, 83, of Kampung Hubah, Penampang, whose home was severely damaged during the district’s major flood in 2024.

According to Penampang community activist Jennifer Tugung, the condition of Madam Chang’s kitchen, located just a few feet from the Moyog River, is extremely dangerous and requires urgent repairs to prevent part of the house from collapsing or being washed away should another major flood occur.

“The kitchen wall on the ground floor collapsed during the 2024 flood, and several belian pillars supporting the upper floor were washed away. At present, Madam Chang is using only wooden planks to support the upper flooring, which poses a serious safety risk,” she explained.

“Obviously, if Madam Chang were financially well-off, she could undertake the repair works using her own resources. Unfortunately, this is not the case. That is why we came today as concerned citizens of Penampang to support her and to highlight her situation.

“Therefore, the authorities should consider listing Madam Chang under the eKasih programme so that she may be eligible for an SMJ house and/or monthly welfare assistance.

“However, the immediate priority is to carry out urgent repairs to her home to prevent further damage or potential tragedy should another major flood occur in the near future,” she said after visiting Madam Chang’s home on Monday.

Meanwhile, Warisan Wanita Penampang Information Chief Agnes Kinsil said that Warisan Bahagian Penampang will endeavour to assist Madam Chang as best as possible by bringing her plight to the attention of the relevant authorities.

“As the State Opposition, Warisan has no access to UPPM, JKKK or Sentuhan Kasih. Nevertheless, we are determined to help Madam Chang in any way we can because this is simply the right thing to do.

“We were also informed that her family had previously raised this matter with an official from a political party that forms the government of the day. Sadly, no assistance has been forthcoming to date.

“It is therefore understandable that, out of desperation, acquaintances contacted us regarding Madam Chang’s plight,” she said.

Agnes also acknowledged that Madam Chang’s house is located on a riparian reserve, but stressed that this should not be used as a reason for inaction.

“We are aware that the house is located on a riparian reserve. However, this should not be an issue, as the government has previously assisted several Penampang residents living in similar areas by providing PPRT houses.

“We therefore propose that the relevant government agencies, including the District Office, JKR and the Department of Social Welfare, conduct an immediate technical and welfare assessment of Madam Chang’s home, and provide interim emergency assistance such as structural reinforcement, building materials or temporary relocation if necessary.

“This is about public safety and humanitarian responsibility, not politics,” she added.

During the visit, Jennifer was accompanied by Warisan Central Strategic Communication Director Christopher Masudal, Warisan Penampang Division Chief Jeffrey Leiking, Agnes Kinsil, and Division AJKs Annie Thaddeus and Michael Tann Jr.