Flood-affected Paitan villages cut off; Starlink, boats deployed, says Sugut rep

PAITAN (Feb 21): Immediate measures have been implemented to ensure residents in flood-affected areas of Paitan continue to have access to communication services and essential assistance, said Sugut assemblyman Datuk James Ratib.

The Sabah Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation described the ongoing floods as among the worst in Sugut’s history, affecting 87 villages.

To date, 22 temporary evacuation centres (PPS) have been activated, sheltering 250 heads of households — approximately 700 victims in total.

“Many villages have been completely cut off, both in terms of road access and communication networks,” he said in a statement.

In response, he has instructed Sabah Net Sdn Bhd to coordinate and expedite the installation of Starlink satellite internet facilities in areas where communication links have been disrupted.

“This is crucial to ensure residents can remain in contact with the authorities and their family members, while also enabling smoother coordination of humanitarian assistance,” he said.

James also said the state government has deployed boats and outboard engines to support evacuation efforts to the PPS and accelerate rescue operations in inundated areas.

He stressed that providing communication facilities and logistical assets is vital to safeguarding residents and ensuring relief operations are carried out efficiently and in an organised manner.

“The state government will continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure all affected victims receive appropriate assistance until conditions return to normal,” he said.