KUALA LUMPUR: The Irrigation and Drainage Department has issued an early warning for potential flooding in several river basin areas across Sabah, which is expected to occur from Nov 23 to 25.
In a statement, the department said this warning follows a continuous rain alert (severe and precautionary) issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department today, predicting significant rainfall over the coming days.
The floods are anticipated to affect multiple areas of Sabah's west coast (Ranau and Kota Belud), particularly in the river basins of Sungai Abai, Sungai Tempasuk, Sungai Kadamaian, Sungai Kawang-Kawang, Sungai Wariu, Sungai Labuk, Sungai Sugut, Sungai Bandau, and Sungai Keguraan.
"Tawau (Lahad Datu) river basin areas such as Sungai Segama, Sungai Silabukan, and Sungai Sepagaya are at risk.
"Meanwhile, Sandakan (Telupid, Kinabatangan and Beluran) may experience flooding in the Sungai Kinabatangan tributaries and river basins of Sungai Maruap, Sungai Kretam Besar, Sungai Labuk, Sungai Sugut, Sungai Paitan, and Sungai Bongaya.
"In Kudat, the river basins include Sungai Sikuati, Sungai Temalang, Sungai Sri Aman, Sungai Malubang, Sungai Telaga, Sungai Tapurau and Sungai Bongon," read the statement.
As such, the department has assured that continuous monitoring will be conducted in these areas, and the flood warning will be updated if heavy rainfall persists.
It also warned that floods could occur earlier or later than forecast.
"Residents, particularly those in flood-prone areas, have been urged to remain vigilant and follow local authorities' instructions.
"Disaster management agencies have also been advised to prepare for potential emergencies," it said.
Earlier today, MetMalaysia issued a severe continuous rain warning for Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang until Nov 23.
In a statement, it said that the affected areas in Kelantan are Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Bharu, Jeli, Tanah Merah, Bachok, Machang, Pasir Puteh, Kuala Krai, and Jerantut, Kuantan, Pekan, and Rompin in Pahang.
It also issued a yellow alert for continuous rain in Kelantan (Gua Musang), Pahang (Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Raub, Bentong, Temerloh, Maran and Bera), and Johor (Mersing and Kota Tinggi) until Nov 23.
The yellow alert will also be in effect from Nov 23 to 25 in Sabah, involving the West Coast (Ranau and Kota Belud), Tawau (Lahad Datu), Sandakan (Telupid, Kinabatangan, Beluran, and Sandakan), and Kudat.