KOTA KINABALU: A total of RM2.7 million was collected for the State Disaster Fund to assist? those affected by the recent earthquake that killed 18 mountain climbers on June 5.

State Special Tasks Minister Datuk Teo Chee Kang said ?of the amount, RM421,000 had been allocated for earthquake victims ?and for disaster management in Ranau.

“The fund will also be used to help repair damaged houses and detailed assessment will be carried out on the level of damages.

“Thus far, 11 houses in Kota Belud and three houses in Ranau were deemed unsafe while 136 houses in Kota Belud were damaged and 268 houses in Ranau need minor repairs,” he said at the state assembly sitting here.

In facing future earthquake, Teo said the Federal government and State government were currently drafting a comprehensive plan.

“The action plan includes continuous inspection and monitoring by relevant agency, to take earthquake into factor in carrying out development project, to require mountain guides and climbers to have insurance protection, and to provide counselling service to disaster victims among others.”

On June 5, a moderate earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale ?rocked Mount Kinabalu, trapping 272 people on the summit and killing 18 climbers.

Those killed were six Malaysians (including four local mountain guides), nine Singaporeans, a Chinese climber, a Japanese climber, and a Filipino climber.

Teo said 599 search and rescue personnel from various agencies? were despatched to rescue trapped climbers. “There has been a proposal to award those involved in rescue operation and the State government will look into this,” he said.

He also reminded the cabinet members not to politicise the incident to gain personal political mileage, adding the earthquake followed by 104 aftershocks and mudslides has traumatised many.

-http://www.nst.com.my/