MEDIA STATEMENT
2 February 2026
PENAMPANG:
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, which is 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 today.
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. As a party committed to serving the people of
Penampang, we decided to visit her today together with Jennifer,” 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.
“Even if
Government politicians choose not to act, government civil servants have a duty
to serve the people regardless of political considerations. 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.
