Sabah Fire Dept urges public to avoid rivers, waterfalls during monsoon

Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Mohd Pisar Aziz cautioned the public against wading through flooded areas, whether on foot or by vehicle, as the depth of the water and strength of the currents could sweep anyone away. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 12 Nov 2026 6:10 PM MYT

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 12 — The public is reminded to adhere to safety advice and take necessary precautions when dealing with floods, as well as to postpone all water-based recreational activities during the current North-east Monsoon (MTL) season.

Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Mohd Pisar Aziz said residents must immediately move to relief centres when instructed by the authorities or if rising floodwaters threaten their homes.

He cautioned the public against wading through flooded areas, whether on foot or by vehicle, as the depth of the water and strength of the currents could sweep anyone away.

“Parents are also reminded to monitor their children’s movements and prohibit them from playing in floodwaters to avoid the risk of drowning or other dangers,” he told Bernama.

He said that to avoid the risk of electric shocks, residents should switch off the main power supply before leaving their homes, provided it was safe to do so, and avoid touching electrical appliances in wet areas.

He also called on the public to stay clear of any severed or fallen electrical cables and to immediately report the matter to the authorities or Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd.

Mohd Pisar also advised the public to postpone all water-based recreational activities, including bathing, swimming, picnicking and camping near rivers, rapids, waterfalls and irrigation canals throughout the Northeast Monsoon season.

He said this was crucial due to the unpredictable weather conditions and persistent heavy rain in upstream catchment areas, which could cause water levels to rise abruptly and trigger sudden water surges that could claim lives within seconds.

“Water surges can happen in the blink of an eye following heavy rain in catchment areas, and the public should not wait until the water flowt becomes strong before taking action,” he added.

Mohd Pisar also reminded the public to remain vigilant always and stay updated on weather forecasts, comply with instructions from the authorities and heed safety warning signs placed at popular recreational spots.

He urged the public to immediately contact the emergency hotline at 999 in the event of an emergency or upon noticing early signs of a water surge to enable rescue operations to be launched without delay.

The public is also reminded to raise fire safety awareness at home by instilling safety-conscious practices from an early age.

He advised parents to keep an eye on their children to prevent them from playing with electrical switches or appliances unsupervised, while ensuring their hands are always dry and to avoid overloading electrical sockets.

“If a fire breaks out or smoke is detected in a home, occupants should leave immediately through a safe exit in a calm manner and assist family members without re-entering the premises,” he added.  

He reminded the public not to attempt to put out a fire if the situation posed a threat to their lives, but instead leave the task to the fire and rescue personnel.

He stressed that fire prevention was a collective responsibility shared by all levels of society, complementing the department’s role as the nation’s main rescue agency. — Bernama