Jahabar Sadiq of Reuters reports that the ENSO-related drought in Sabah has fed to critical shortages of both food and water. Streams have dried up and agricultural fields are barren or have burned, leading to a critical situation in Matunggong, Kota Marudu, Sipitang and Keningau districts where 12,000 face starvation. The local government minister for social services stated: "They are not starving, although it is true they are facing food shortages as a result of the prevailing drought". --Nando.net <http://www.nando.net>.