Sabah bracing for tail end of typhoon

KOTA KINABALU: Residents living off Sabah’s western zones including Kudat, the interior and Labuan have been warned against going out to the sea due to Typhoon Melor.

Sabah Meteorological Department director Abdul Malek Tusin said the state is predicted to feel the effects of Typhoon Melor, which has slammed through the Philippines a few days ago.

“Strong winds have been reported at Kudat and the surrounding coastal areas,” he said.

“We expect to feel the effects from the tail end of Typhoon Melor soon,” he said, adding that flash floods were very likely to occur.

“All sea activities should be put on hold for safety reasons,” said Abdul Malek.

The typhoon is expected to bring winds up to 80kph and heavy rain to Sabah’s interior, west coast and Kudat today and tomorrow.

Waves of up to 3.5m in the Sulu Sea and South China Sea are also expected.

Abdul Malek urged residents on the west coast to keep updated with the latest Typhoon Melor news at http://www.met.gov.my/ or call the hotline at 088-413 960.