KOTA KINABALU: Nine schools in the Pitas district, near Kota Marudu, were forced to close today due to severe flooding.
The schools’ closure affected 1,203 pupils from SK Pandan Madamai, SK Sosop, SK Pinggan Pinggan, SK Mandurian, SK Pinapak, SK Nibang and SK Rukom.
Two other schools were SK Kanibungan and SMK Kanibungan.
When contacted, Sabah education director Datuk Maimunah Suhaibul, said three schools – SK Pandan Mandamai, SK Kanibungan and SMK Kanibungan – have been submerged by floodwaters.
“The other schools were closed because the roads leading to the schools are flooded and inaccessible.
“So far, we are still waiting for a report from SK Kanibungan and SMK Kanibungan on the number of students affected,” she said, adding the schools have more than 200 teachers and school staff.
She however said the closing of schools was only for today and the department will continue to monitor the situation.
It was learnt that a heavy downpour in the district last night had caused the flooding.
As at 3pm today, it is not known how many villages are affected and whether evacuation process is being carried out.