KOTA KINABALU: Efforts are being intensified to ensure that 14 schools affected by recent floods in Beaufort will be ready before the month-long holiday ends next Monday (February 17).
Sabah Education Department director Datuk Raisin Saidin said several districts were flooded following intermittent heavy rain on February 10, with Beaufort among the worst hit.
Known as Sabah's flood-prone district, Beaufort sits in a low-lying area intersected by the Padas River, making it highly susceptible to flooding, especially during heavy rainfall and the monsoon season.
"We receive daily updates on flood conditions affecting schools. Some of the previously affected schools have recovered as floodwaters recede."
"Our priority now is to clean up these schools to ensure they are ready to reopen on February 17 for the 2025/2026 school session," he said at a Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry event on Tuesday (Feb 11).
Meanwhile, the State Disaster Management Committee Secretariat reported that as of 4pm on Wednesday (February 12), only 476 displaced residents from 144 families across five villages in Beaufort and Kinabatangan remain at four temporary relief centres.
The number has decreased following the closure of the relief centre in Membakut, allowing affected residents to return home.
Just a week ago, thousands were displaced after heavy downpours submerged several districts in Sabah.
According to the secretariat’s infographic, Beaufort has the highest number of displaced residents, with 302 people from 99 families seeking shelter at Dewan Bisaya and Dewan DSP Dun Banir relief centres.
In Kinabatangan, 174 people from 45 families are housed at the SK Sukau and SK Bukit Garam relief centres.
