KOTA KINABALU – The flood and landslide situation in parts of Sabah is showing signs of improvement, with evacuees in Beaufort and Sipitang allowed to return home this morning.
The state disaster management committee said the overall number of displaced residents dropped to 1,476, down from 2,256 the previous evening, as waters began to recede in several districts.
Thirteen temporary relief centres remain open, housing those still affected. Six centres in Membakut are sheltering 738 people, another six in Penampang hold 493, while a single centre in Papar accommodates 245 victims.
“There are 53 villages still affected as of this morning, compared with 120 yesterday evening, with 24 in Penampang, 20 in Papar and nine in Membakut,” the committee said in a statement.
While conditions in Beaufort and Sipitang have improved, Penampang, Papar and Membakut remain under watch as floodwaters continue to disrupt daily life.
In neighbouring Sarawak, the state disaster management committee reported that 13 people from three families are still taking shelter at the Dewan Suarah Marudi relief centre.
According to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage’s public Info Banjir portal, river levels in Miri and Limbang – including Long Teru, Marudi and Lubok Piasau II stations – have eased slightly thanks to improved weather but remain above danger levels.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant in case of further rainfall. — September 20, 2025