KOTA KINABALU, Sept 15 — DAP Sabah has called for the cancellation of this year’s Malaysia Day celebrations, citing the severe floods, landslides, and widespread disruption of utilities that have struck multiple districts across the state.

The party said the compounded crises — including a major landslide that brought down a 275kV transmission tower, cutting off electricity supply and triggering cascading disruptions — demand urgent and undivided attention from all levels of government.

“With flash floods inundating districts, families displaced, homes destroyed, and clean water supplies disrupted, Sabah is facing a humanitarian emergency,” the party said in a statement today.

DAP Sabah Chairman, Phoong Jin Zhe, stressed that in order to truly honour the spirit of Malaysia Day, the state must first acknowledge and respond to the plight of those affected.

“This is not the time for celebration. It is the time for mobilisation. The people of Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, and the East Coast are in dire need of shelter, food, clean water, medical assistance, and immediate restoration of basic utilities. Malaysia Day must be commemorated through service and solidarity, not festivity,” he said.

The party noted that there were precedents for such a move, citing Kuala Lumpur’s cancellation of Merdeka celebrations in 2024 following a fatal sinkhole tragedy, and Selangor’s decision to call off Aidilfitri celebrations earlier this year in respect of victims of the Putra Heights blaze.

“Such actions reflected leadership that placed compassion above ceremony — and the same principle should apply in Sabah today,” Phoong said.

DAP Sabah also urged both state and federal agencies, including local councils and welfare departments, to intensify relief efforts through additional resources, personnel deployment, and fast-tracked emergency support.

The party reiterated its readiness to cooperate with government bodies, NGOs, and community leaders to coordinate aid distribution and ensure victims receive timely assistance.

“By calling off Malaysia Day celebrations, we send a clear message that the welfare of the people comes first. The most meaningful way to mark this national occasion is by protecting lives, restoring essential services, and standing in solidarity with those in distress,” Phoong added.