Flood-hit roads in Sabah are being assessed for damages after torrential rains cut of key roads, including the Sandakan-Kota Kinabalu highway.

The Public Works Department (JKR) and road concessionaires are conducting emergency inspections to determine the extent of damage.

“What I have received so far is a list of roads that are passable and not passable,” Sabah Works Minister Datuk Shahelmy Yahya on Thursday. 

“JKR and the concessionaires are assessing conditions and taking immediate action to ensure roads can be safely used by motorists,” he added. 

Repairs will begin immediately, while major damage requiring structural work will be handled by JKR headquarters, he said. 

Seven roads remain impassable due to flooding and landslides across five districts in Sabah, disrupting travel and cutting off several communities. 

The affected districts are Kota Marudu, Kota Belud, Telupid, Pitas, and Keningau, with authorities warning of continued disruptions amid ongoing heavy rain.

In Kota Marudu, Jalan Rakit (KM 0.0 – KM 0.5) and Jalan Damai (KM 0.0 – KM 0.9) are submerged, while a landslide has blocked KM 6.4 of Jalan Marak Parak.

Flooding in Kota Belud has forced the closure of Jalan Sumbilingon – Pituru Laut (KM 2.8 – KM 3.0), while in Telupid, a landslide at KM 1.1 of Jalan Telupid – Tongod has made the route impassable. Motorists can use Jalan Tapang – Singgahmata as an alternative to reach Tongod.

Pitas has reported a single closure at KM 4.4 of Jalan Pinapak due to flooding, while in Tenom, a collapsed embankment has cut off access at KM 3.4 of Jalan Tenom Batu 28 Mempikit. – January 29, 2025.