KOTA KINABALU: Flood victims should prioritise their safety above property and take immediate action to avoid loss of life as ongoing heavy rainfall endangers multiple districts in Sabah.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan advised the public to remain vigilant and contact the nearest disaster operations centre or local authorities if they require assistance.
He said this following an extreme rain warning issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) for Telupid, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Ranau and Kota Belud.
The downpour, expected to persist until Wednesday (Feb 5), poses a heightened risk of floods, landslides, and rising river levels.
“I strongly urge residents in these areas, particularly those in flood-prone zones and along riverbanks, to move to safer locations and avoid high-risk areas,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 4).
Kitingan said the government, through the State Disaster Management Committee, local authorities, and relevant agencies, is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to assist.
Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels, including updates from MetMalaysia, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), and the Sabah State Government.
“Let us take all necessary precautions and work together to keep our families and communities safe,” he added.
Meanwhile, only two relief centres remain operational out of the 47 set up across 11 districts affected by the floods following last week’s continuous heavy rainfall in Sabah.
As of 4pm on Tuesday (Feb 4), the Sekolah Kebangsaan Sukau and Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Garam temporary relief centres in Kinabatangan are sheltering 137 displaced residents from 40 families.
No casualties have been reported.
Ten districts—Kota Marudu, Beaufort, Tongod, Telupid, Sandakan, Kota Belud, Lahad Datu, Beluran, Pitas, and Paitan—have announced the closure of their relief centres.
