KUALA LUMPUR – Borneo has been battered by relentless heavy rainfall, triggering severe floods and landslides that have claimed at least five lives and forced thousands of residents to evacuate across the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. Government data shows that more than 700mm of rain has fallen on affected areas, with the downpour expected to continue until January 31, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

Bintulu Among Hardest-Hit Areas

The area surrounding Bintulu in Sarawak has experienced some of the heaviest rainfall, accumulating nearly 800mm in just 48 hours, according to meteorologist Jason Nicholls of AccuWeather. The region is home to a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex operated by state-owned Petroliam Nasional (Petronas), which has a capacity of nearly 30 million metric tonnes per year. Despite the extreme weather, Petronas has confirmed that operations at the plant remain uninterrupted and that it is closely monitoring the situation.

Mass Evacuations and Infrastructure Damage

As of the morning of January 30, more than 5,000 residents have been displaced from their homes, with local news reports calling it the worst flooding in recent years. The continuous downpour over the past weeks has left the ground saturated, exacerbating the impact of the floods and increasing the risk of further landslides.

Shocking Scenes Captured on Social Media

Images and videos circulating online depict entire neighborhoods submerged in murky floodwaters, with people stranded on rooftops or being swept away by strong currents. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing as authorities work to assist affected communities and assess the full extent of the damage.

With the rainfall expected to persist, authorities continue to issue warnings and advisories to residents in vulnerable areas, urging them to take necessary precautions and remain vigilant. (zai)