KOTA KINABALU: Much needed aid from ordinary Malaysians continue to pour in for victims of floods and landslides around Penampang District, particularly the worst-hit Sugud area.

       Donation drive organisers Jinilis Ebol, who is representing the Sugud Catholic Community Committee, said it was gratifying to see contributions from so many people from near and far.

       “The response to our call for assistance was exceptional, it is overwhelming and I thank everyone for the help,” he said.

       Apart from food and water, victims also received mattresses, bedsheets and pillows, as well as spades, wheelbarrows and other tools to help with the clean-up.

       Jinilis said such assistance was continuously coming in and this includes volunteers coming to help with the clean-up.

       He said the aid was being distributed from the Assumption of Our Lady Church in Kampung Sugud or being sent to victims who can’t come themselves due to roads being cut off.

       “It is quite challenging because due to the mud everywhere, only certain vehicles such as four-wheel-drives can be used,” he added.

       Jinilis said most of those who had trouble going to the collection centre to get their food baskets were those living on hilltops and slopes.

       For these residents, he said volunteers would send aid to a midway point where the victims could collect it by foot or by using their own vehicles.

       Due to people’s generosity, Jinilis said surplus food baskets were being sent to victims in other areas outside Sugud.

       “We will be sending food and water to victims in Kinarut and Moyog as well as fire victims in Kampung Babah Bunduon” he said.

       The fire in Kg Babah Bunduond destroyed eight houses and a church.

       Kampung Sugud villager Decy Ebol described the aid as God-sent.

       “We are not able to thank those who helped individually, because there were just too many who rushed to help when we needed them most,” she added.

       She said most of the affected victims, comprising over 2,000 people from various villages, had received the aid, while more was being sent to those still waiting for help.

       Decy added that besides food baskets, they still needed tools to clean up the muddy roads and affected homes and structures.

       Those interested to donate can send their donations directly to the Assumption of Our Lady Church in Kampung Sugud or bank in to RTDKK Sugud Catholic Community Committee – Alliance Bank account number 1012-3002-0121-901.

       Jinilis can also be contacted at 011-1031 5401 for more details.

       Apart from the Sugud area, villages like Kampung Maang, Kampung Madsiang and dozens of others have also been affected by the disaster.