KOTA KINABALU: Food outlet owners in the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) area in Penampang are facing difficulties as floodwaters rise to ankle-deep levels.
In a video shared on WhatsApp, one business owner was heard urging a contractor to clear the nearby blocked drains.
"Flash floods for the first time in KDCA. Very bad. Contractor, please clear the drains – they are blocked," the owner said, showing footage of the flooded restaurant area.
Heavy rainfall has led to rising water levels across several areas in Sabah, with Penampang, a flood-prone region, experiencing increasingly impassable roads.
Social media platforms are flooded with updates, photos, and videos of the torrential rain and partially submerged vehicles shared by concerned residents.
Flash floods have affected the Donggongon township, Lido, Beverly Hills, as well as Inanam, Kepayan, Petagas, Sembulan and other city areas, following a downpour that began around 1pm on Friday (Nov 29).
Flooding in Penampang varies, with some areas experiencing ankle-deep water, while others are submerged up to waist-high levels.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning for thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds in Sabah until 8pm Friday.
The warning covers Sipitang, Tenom, and Beaufort in the interior, as well as the West Coast areas, including Papar, Putatan, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, and Kota Belud, as well as Sandakan, Kudat, Telupid, and Beluran.
Residents are advised to take precautions against flash floods, landslides, and fallen trees.
MetMalaysia's thunderstorm warning remains valid for six hours from the time of issue.
The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department confirmed that their Penampang and Putatan stations are monitoring the situation.
"Although the rain has stopped and the water levels are starting to recede, we continue to monitor the situation," said a department spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Sabah Electricity (SESB) said in a statement that it is working to restore power in affected areas.
“We ensure safety remains the top priority during operations. We urge the public to stay alert and report any disruptions to SESB. Please also prioritise your safety by avoiding proximity to SESB installations,” the statement read.
