By JAMES LEONG
SANDAKAN: A night of continuous heavy rain triggered multiple landslides in the district early Wednesday, resulting in one fatality and significant damage to Sim-Sim Muslim Cemetery. The downpour also caused flash floods in several low-lying areas.
The fatal incident occurred around 6.39 am behind a budget hotel along Lebuh Empat in the town centre. The victim, 76-year-old Agustine Frederick J Lingam, a hotel worker, was killed when a slope behind the building collapsed. According to the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the man was attempting to start a generator following a power outage when he was buried by the debris.
A team from the Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station arrived at the scene within 10 minutes. The victim was extricated from the rubble by 7.14 am but was pronounced dead at the scene by Ministry of Health (KKM) personnel. The search and recovery operation concluded at 8.19 am.
Sandakan Municipal Council president cum District Disaster Management Committee chairman Walter Kenson and his officers visited the site.
He officially declared a landslide disaster and announced the activation of a temporary evacuation centre (PPS) at the Sandakan Community Hall. The centre was opened at 12.00 pm on Tuesday as a precautionary measure after authorities deemed the landslide area and the nearby Block 10 building unsafe for occupancy pending further assessment.
In a separate incident, a landslide at the Sim Sim Muslim Cemetery damaged about 20 burial plots. The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) advised residents in the area to exercise heightened caution due to the risk of further incidents amid the ongoing wet weather. Authorities noted that the landslide occurred about 12 metres from the nearest roadway and currently poses no threat to traffic.
The relentless rain also led to flash flooding in several hotspot areas. APM patrols conducted between 2.21 am and 3.39 am reported that while the overall situation was under control, floodwaters had overflowed onto Jalan Lintas Batu Sapi, causing minor traffic disruptions.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid high-risk areas such as slopes and waterways, as the potential for further landslides and flash floods persists. Periodic monitoring of all locations will continue.
Sandakan firemen removing debris to locate the victim.
