Full Breakdown
Severe Flooding Displaces Thousands in Sabah
2/28/2026, 8:05:20 AM
Current Flood Situation in Sabah
As of February 27, 2026, nearly 6,000 residents in Sabah have been evacuated due to severe flooding affecting the state’s interior and south-western districts. The Sabah State Disaster Command Centre reports that 5,860 individuals from 2,067 households are currently displaced, with Tenom being the hardest hit, accounting for 3,544 victims from 1,207 households across 46 villages. Other affected areas include Beaufort with 1,462 victims, Membakut with 435, Sipitang with 340, and Sook with 79. A total of 146 villages are impacted, and 29 relief centres have been established to accommodate evacuees. The floods began on February 25, following an earlier wave that displaced over 5,000 people in northern districts such as Pitas and Tawau.
Government Response and Assistance Efforts
The Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, led by Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, has deployed officers to assess damage to agriculture and coordinate immediate assistance for affected farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen. The ministry aims to provide essential supplies, including livestock feed and planting seeds, to mitigate the economic impact on rural communities reliant on agriculture. Jamawi emphasized the importance of accurate damage assessments to facilitate effective aid distribution.
In Parliament, Sipitang MP Datuk Matbali Musah called for special emergency allocations to address the recurring floods in Sabah, highlighting the need for immediate assistance during natural disasters. He noted that the floods have become a frequent occurrence in the region, stressing the necessity for a dedicated emergency fund to support recovery efforts.
Impact on Education and Infrastructure
The flooding has also disrupted education, with 27 schools across six districts closed due to the adverse conditions. Beaufort has reported the highest number of affected schools, with 14 closures. The floods have caused significant damage to infrastructure, with many roads rendered impassable, complicating rescue and relief operations.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about the government's preparedness for such natural disasters, citing the need for better infrastructure and emergency response systems. Matbali Musah pointed out that flooding has become a regular issue in Sabah, suggesting that the government must allocate more resources to address the underlying causes of these disasters.
Verbatim Quotes
“Special emergency allocations are needed to deal with natural disasters that occur frequently, especially in Sabah,” — Datuk Matbali Musah, Sipitang MP
“They should coordinate immediate assistance to farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen affected by the floods,” — Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry
“All parties must remain prepared and alert to early warnings to ensure the safety of lives and the economic sustainability of rural communities,” — Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry
What's Next
The Sabah government continues to monitor the flood situation closely, with ongoing assessments of damage and needs in affected areas. Efforts to deliver aid are expected to intensify as the government collaborates with various agencies to ensure that all affected families receive the necessary support.
