Resilient Sabah: Protecting lives, strengthening communities under SMJ 2.0

SABAH is a land blessed with natural beauty and rich resources. The State is known for its mountains, rivers, forests, and long coastline. From the majestic peak of Mount Kinabalu to the many rivers that flow across the interior districts, nature has shaped the identity and economy of Sabah. These natural features support agriculture, tourism, fisheries, and many other industries that contribute to the State’s development.

However, the same natural environment that brings beauty and wealth also brings risks. Sabah faces natural hazards such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes. In recent years, public health challenges like tuberculosis (TB) have also become serious concerns. These risks affect people’s homes, livelihoods, safety, and health. They can slow down economic growth and place pressure on government resources.

Recent events have reminded us that these threats are real and cannot be ignored. On 23 February 2026, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck offshore near Sabah, less than 100 kilometres northeast of Kota Kinabalu. Although the magnitude was strong, the earthquake occurred more than 600 kilometres below the surface. Because it was so deep, most areas along the west coast only felt mild shaking, and there was no major damage. Sabah was fortunate this time. But the event clearly showed that the State remains exposed to seismic risk.
At the same time, floods affected several districts, including Beaufort, Tenom, Tambunan, Membakut and Sipitang. Heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow, damaging homes, roads, and public facilities. Many families were temporarily displaced and had to stay in relief centres. Floods are not new in Sabah, but their impact seems to be increasing due to climate change, land use changes, and growing development.

Another growing concern is tuberculosis (TB). Sabah currently records the highest number of TB cases in Malaysia. TB spreads more easily in crowded, poorly ventilated, or damp environments. Floods can worsen these conditions. Temporary shelters and damaged housing may create environments where diseases spread more quickly. This shows that disaster management and public health must go hand in hand.

These events make one thing clear: Sabah must strengthen its disaster risk management and public health systems. Development cannot focus only on economic growth. It must also focus on safety, resilience, and the wellbeing of the people. This is where the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 (SMJ 2.0) framework becomes highly relevant and applicable.

SMJ 2.0 and the importance of resilience

SMJ 2.0 is built on three main pillars such as Economic Development, Human Capital and People’s Wellbeing as well as infrastructure and sustainability.

Disaster risk management and public health protection support all three pillars.

Economic development cannot continue smoothly if floods regularly damage businesses and transport networks. Human capital cannot grow if people are frequently affected by disease or disaster. Infrastructure cannot be sustainable if it is not designed to withstand natural hazards.
Therefore, building a safer and healthier Sabah is not separate from SMJ 2.0. It is part of SMJ 2.0. Disaster resilience and health protection are foundations for long-term success.
Flooding: Sabah’s Most Frequent Disaster

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in Sabah. The recent floods in Beaufort, Tenom, Tambunan, Membakut and Sipitang and other districts clearly show the need for stronger flood management strategies.

Floods occur for several reasons. Heavy rainfall can cause rivers to overflow. Poor drainage systems can lead to flash floods in urban areas. Development in low-lying land increases exposure to flood risk. In some areas, drains are blocked or not properly maintained.

Deforestation and land clearing may also increase surface runoff, making floods more severe.

Floods are natural events, but their impact depends largely on how well we plan and manage our land and infrastructure.

Key Measures for Better Flood Management are below:

1. Basin-Wide Planning

Rivers should be managed as complete systems, from upstream to downstream. Authorities should use updated rainfall and climate data to plan flood mitigation projects. Understanding how water flows across districts helps reduce unexpected flooding.

2. Modern Drainage Systems

Urban drainage must be improved and upgraded to match current development. Drains and rivers should be desilted regularly to ensure smooth water flow. In many cases, simple maintenance can prevent serious flooding.

3. On-Site Detention in New Developments

New housing and commercial projects should include systems that temporarily store rainwater and comply with the JPS urban stormwater management manual. This reduces sudden runoff and lowers the risk of flash floods.

4. Protecting Critical Facilities

Water treatment plants, hospitals, pumping stations, and power substations must be protected from floodwaters. If these facilities fail during floods, the impact becomes much more serious.

Flood control is not only about property damage. It is also about protecting public health. Stagnant water and damp homes can create unhealthy conditions. By reducing floods, we also reduce the risk of disease, including TB.

Earthquake preparedness: Learning from February 23, 2026

The earthquake on February 23, 2026 was a warning. Although it caused only mild shaking, Sabah cannot assume that future earthquakes will be harmless. Sabah lies near active tectonic zones, and seismic risk is part of the State’s natural environment.

Preparedness is the key to reducing damage and saving lives. The following steps to reduce earthquake risk are as follow:

1. Seismic Design Standards

All new public buildings, especially schools, hospitals, and government offices, should follow proper earthquake-resistant design standards such as Eurocode 8 (MS EN 1998). Modern engineering methods can significantly reduce structural damage.

2. Inspection of Older Buildings

Many older or existing buildings were constructed before modern seismic standards were introduced. These buildings should be inspected and strengthened if necessary.

3. Public Awareness and Drills

People should know simple safety actions, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold.” Schools, offices, and communities should conduct regular drills. When people know what to do, panic is reduced and injuries are less likely.

Prepared buildings and prepared people are the best defence against earthquake risk.

Landslides and safe development

Sabah’s hilly and mountainous terrain makes it vulnerable to landslides, especially during heavy rainfall. Improper hillside development can increase the risk.

All hillside projects must include proper geotechnical studies before construction begins. Drainage systems must be carefully designed to prevent water from weakening slopes. Retaining walls and slope protection measures must meet engineering standards.

Development is important under SMJ 2.0, but safety must never be compromised. Economic growth should not come at the cost of public safety.

Tuberculosis: A serious public health challenge

While natural disasters often receive immediate attention, public health threats like tuberculosis require continuous effort and commitment.

Sabah has the highest TB burden in Malaysia. TB spreads through the air, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. People with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable.

Floods and disasters can worsen TB risks. When families are displaced, they may stay in temporary shelters. If these shelters are crowded and poorly ventilated, disease transmission may increase. Damp housing conditions after floods can also affect health.

Public Health Measures to Strengthen TB Control are as follow:

1. Clean and Safe Temporary Shelters

Relief centres should be clean, dry, and well ventilated. Proper spacing between occupants reduces disease spread.

2. Early Detection and Treatment

Health services must be strengthened to diagnose TB early and provide complete treatment. Early treatment prevents further transmission.

3. Community Education

Public awareness campaigns should explain TB symptoms, prevention methods, and the importance of completing treatment.

4. Integration into Disaster Planning

Public health officers should be part of disaster planning teams. Health protection must be considered in every emergency response plan.

Protecting human capital is one of the core goals of SMJ 2.0. A healthy population is essential for productivity, education, and economic growth.

Technology and Early Warning Systems

SMJ 2.0 encourages modernisation and innovation. Technology can greatly improve disaster preparedness.

Rainfall and river monitoring systems can provide early warnings of floods. Flood forecasting models can estimate water levels in advance. SMS alerts and mobile applications can inform communities quickly.

Early warning systems give people time to move to safer areas and protect their belongings. They also allow authorities to prepare shelters properly, reducing health risks. Investment in technology is an investment in safety and efficiency.

Smart land use planning: Prevention is better than cure

Good land use planning is one of the most effective ways to reduce disaster risk.

Flood-prone areas should be preserved as open spaces or parks. These areas can temporarily store excess water during heavy rain. Hillside development must follow strict technical standards.

Planning approvals should involve planners, engineers, hydrologists, and environmental experts. When experts work together, risks are identified early and managed properly.
Prevention is always more cost-effective than repairing damage after a disaster.

Economic and social benefits of resilience

Investing in disaster risk reduction and public health is not a burden. It brings long-term benefits.

Flood protection safeguards businesses and livelihoods. Reliable infrastructure attracts investors. Schools and hospitals that remain operational during disasters protect education and healthcare services. TB control improves workforce productivity and reduces healthcare costs.

Resilience strengthens confidence among rakyat and investors. It shows that Sabah is prepared, organised, and forward-looking.

Under SMJ 2.0, resilience supports sustainable economic growth.
Phased Implementation for Practical Progress

Building resilience must be done step by step with clear priorities and proper planning.

In the short term (0–2 years), Sabah should focus on updating flood and earthquake risk maps, strengthening early warning systems, inspecting important buildings such as schools and hospitals, and improving TB monitoring and public education.

In the medium term (3–5 years), efforts should shift toward upgrading drainage systems and flood control infrastructure, strengthening older public buildings, enforcing stricter land use rules, and expanding TB treatment and community outreach programmes.

In the long term (5–10 years), Sabah should ensure that all new infrastructure follows climate-resilient standards, develop smart monitoring networks across the State, and make disaster preparedness and public health protection a permanent part of every development plan.

By progressing in stages, Sabah can steadily improve safety and resilience without placing too much strain on resources.

Shared responsibility

Disaster risk management and public health protection are shared responsibilities. The government must enforce regulations, build resilient infrastructure, and lead public health initiatives. Engineers and planners must design safe and sustainable projects. Developers must comply with safety standards. Communities must stay informed, participate in drills, and maintain clean and healthy living environments.

SMJ 2.0 provides the framework, but its success depends on cooperation and commitment from all parties.

Looking ahead: A stronger future for Sabah

The earthquake of 23 February 2026, the recent floods in Beaufort, Tenom, Tambunan, Membakut and Sipitang as well as other districts and the rising TB cases remind us that Sabah faces multiple challenges. However, these challenges also present opportunities to improve planning, strengthen systems, and protect the people.

Under SMJ 2.0, Sabah can build stronger infrastructure, enhance public health systems, protect human capital, and promote sustainable economic development.

Disasters may not be preventable, but their impact can be reduced. With careful planning, modern technology, strong public health systems, and community cooperation, Sabah can become safer and healthier. A resilient Sabah is a confident Sabah. A healthy Sabah is a productive Sabah. By working together under the vision of SMJ 2.0, Sabah can continue to grow and prosper while protecting its people from harm.