KOTA KINABALU: Fire and Rescue Department officer Clarice Jimoh had her Christmas plans put on hold as she kept her uniform on to oversee disaster relief operations in Kota Belud.
The mother of one had planned to celebrate in Ranau, but strong winds and heavy rains in the middle of last week had put the authorities on alert.
"Duty calls," she said, referring to the disaster relief operations activated on Wednesday.
Authorities on Sabah's west coast and its northern districts have been on alert, including Kota Belud where two shelters have been opened.
Jimoh, originally from Kampung Kelawat in Kota Belud where she is based, serves in the department's communication unit.
"During situations like this, when we are on alert for disasters, our operations are extended.
"We take on other tasks if it's necessary," said the officer who has been with the department for two decades.
But the weather has improved and Kota Belud district fire chief Muhammad Syazwan Latun has allowed her to go on leave when her shift ends at midnight on Christmas eve.
"There are others on duty, too. I am allowed to go on leave.
"But if the situation warrants it, I will help," she asserted.
Jimoh, a Catholic, will celebrate at the village of her soldier husband Sebastian Joseph, in Kampung Tudan Lama, Ranau, with their daughter, Carlissa, 6.
"We normally celebrate Christmas with prayers in church and a gathering with my husband's family," she said, adding that if all was well with the weather, they would travel to Ranau today.
The country's flood situation improved yesterday as more victims are returning home.
According the National Disaster Command Centre, 24,414 victims from 7,696 families were at relief centres as of 4pm yesterday, down from 32,196 people from 10,145 families at noon.