KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has contributed 30 speedboats to state police for flood rescue and security purposes.

       Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the boats, worth a total of RM360,000, would be distributed to 10 flood-prone districts namely Beaufort, Tenom, Sipitang, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Sandakan, Beluran, Kinabatangan, Penampang and Kota Belud.

       “We hope this small contribution can help lighten the burden on our police in helping people during floods,” he said at a symbolic handing over ceremony of the boats to state police commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah at Menara Kinabalu here on Wednesday (March 23).

       Hajiji also witnessed the handing over of donations from Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) to the family members of eight fallen policemen and 12 others who were injured during the Lahad Datu armed incursion in March 2013.

       SESB's donations totalling RM110,000 were made to the Police Special Fund in conjunction with the 215th Police Day celebration.

       SESB chief executive officer Mohd Yaakob Jaafar said it was part of the utility company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

       At the same ceremony, Hajiji also handed over the state flag and a donation to Sabahan Adelinah Lintanga from Kota Belud, who is part of the Everest Expedition 2022, Journey To The Top by Sabahan.

       "We are proud of the effort and enthusiasm shown by Adelinah and other climbers to conquer the highest mountain in the world. I'm sure she will manage to fly the Sabah flag at the top of Mount Everest. I wish them success," he said.