Tawau: Residents of Kampung Tanjung Batu Keramat took the initiative to save themselves by leaving their homes early, fearing that their homes near Sungai Tawau would be flooded following continuous heavy rain.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sia Umbing, 74, woke up at 10 pm after receiving a call from her daughter in Lahad Datu, urging her to check the situation outside. Upon opening the door, she discovered water had already reached the stairs of her stilt house, and outside, it was chest-high. Sia, with her two grandchildren, prayed for help, which came in the form of a firemen's boat arranged by the village head. By 3 am, they were placed at the temporary evacuation centre at Tawau Sports Complex Hall. Sia described the incident as a test during Ramadan but expressed gratitude to the government for providing shelter and food.

Arbain Jafar, 69, shared a similar story of anxiety as water rose to the stairs of his home. Concerned that the flood level was higher than usual, he and his family of nine were also rescued by firemen. He noted that in previous floods, the water would rise to two steps and subside, but this time it was more severe. The family had to observe Ramadan rituals like sahur and breaking fast at the evacuation centre, hoping for improvements in the flood situation.

As of noon, the evacuation centre at Tawau Sports Complex Multipurpose Hall accommodated 245 victims, including 55 heads of households from Kampung Tanjung Batu Keramat.