KOTA KINABALU: A total of 22 power substations in Pitas and some other flood affected areas have been shut down for safety reasons, says Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB).
SESB senior general manager for asset management, Idris Mohd Noor said apart from the shutting down of substations, SESB officials were working round the clock in shifts to make sure that power supply remains stable in other parts of flooded areas.
He said for now, power supply and the overall situation in Kudat and Kota Marudu districts were still under control.
ALSO READ: Floods: Over 6,000 victims evacuated in Sabah
Idris reminded the public to be wary of damaged or fallen electric poles during this rainy and flooding season.
"We have received a lot of complaints and reports of fallen electric poles, trees falling on our assets and other related matters.
"Our men are on the ground trying to attend to all these complaints but there will be delays in power restoration due to the floods," he said in a statement on Friday (Jan 27).
He explained that many roads were still not passable and they had to wait for floodwaters to recede before anything could be done in a safe manner.
ALSO READ: Floods: Areas of Johor, Sabah and Pahang told to brace for 'third wave' of monsoon
Idris urged the public to contact the SESB careline at 15454, 088-515000 or WhatsApp to 019-852 5427 for electricity related problems.
He warned the public against tampering or trying to repair, move, or touch any electrical cables or SESB assets to prevent accidents.
He said they should immediately contact SESB for further action.
The floods in Sabah have affected almost 7,000 people as of 8am Friday (Jan 27).
According to Civil Defence officials, the number of evacuees have increased to 6,843 people from 2,412 families in five districts - Paitan, Pitas, Kota Marudu, Telupid and Tawau.
From these numbers, Kota Marudu has the most victims at 4,789 people, followed by Pitas (1,201), Paitan (720), Tawau (109) and Telupid (24).
Sabah Education Department deputy director of school management, Abidin Marjan said a total of 15,531 students from 49 schools in Pitas, Beluran, Kudat, Sipitang, Beaufort, Kota Marudu and Lahad Datu are affected by the floods.
"This data is recorded as of 9am on Friday (Jan 27)," he said when contacted.
