HIGH tide is expected again in Sandakan tonight and tomorrow night following the Meteorological Department’s forecast of continuous rain at warning level until tomorrow.

In view of that, Sandakan police chief Abdul Fuad Abdul Malek advised residents in the coastal areas to vacate their homes before 6pm today as a precaution.

“I have inspected several places that are at risk and advised residents to move to their relatives’ place or to a temporary relief centre that will be identified in their respective areas,” he told reporters at the Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sungai Anib 2 shelter today.

About 100 houses on stilts in Kampung Forest were damaged due to high tide at about 10pm yesterday, affecting more than 300 residents; most of whom were evacuated to the SK Sungai Anib 2 relief centre.

Fuad said he was grateful there were no reports of casualties during the incident but advised residents in high-risk areas to heed the instructions of security personnel, especially for them to evacuate.

He said besides Kampung Forest, the high tide also affected Kampung Tinusa 2, but there was no damage to houses.

Meanwhile, Sandakan MP Vivian Wong said she will discuss with the Sandakan Municipal Council to request the use of housing units under the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) as temporary accommodation for the victims.

“The victims have no place to stay and temporary relief centres is not a long-term solution. I understand that there are PPR houses that have not been occupied which can be used while those affected look for another house,” she said.

Housewife Nurita Mohammad Jara, 35, said she, along with her family and neighbours started to evacuate their homes at 8pm yesterday. – Bernama, December 25, 2022.