Sabah is stepping up disaster preparedness across all 25 local authorities as the state braces for potentially severe weather conditions during the upcoming Northeast Monsoon.

Local Government and Housing Minister Mohd Arifin Arif said preparations included inter-agency coordination and contingency planning to ensure authorities were ready to respond to heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough seas.

He said each district had a dedicated disaster committee to coordinate local response efforts, while authorities were monitoring developments and strengthening preparedness measures.

“The preparations are being carried out across all 25 local authorities to ensure that the necessary measures are in place,” he said after officiating the Ambuyat Festival at Dewan Seri Wawasan in Membakut on Sunday.

The Northeast Monsoon typically runs from November to March, bringing increased rainfall and the risk of flooding, particularly in vulnerable areas.

However, shifting global weather patterns have made seasonal conditions increasingly unpredictable, requiring authorities to prepare for more severe weather scenarios.

Arifin said the state was also monitoring progress on federally approved permanent evacuation centres, with construction expected to begin next year.

The preparations come as flooding has already affected parts of southwestern Sabah, with 24 residents evacuated from Kampung Bebangkong in Mesapol, Sipitang, on Sunday.

Authorities are expected to maintain close coordination throughout the monsoon season to ensure timely assistance and evacuation measures for communities at risk.