KUALA LUMPUR: Residents in Lahad Datu, Sabah, today were left shocked after a tornado-like phenomenon happened about 2pm.
Several videos depicting the phenomenon were circulated on social media, believed to have been uploaded by members of the public at the scene.
In the video, roofs of houses and debris were carried away by the very strong wind.
Some members of the public stepped away from the 'whirlwind' out of safety concerns.
Bernama reported that the incident of strong winds resembling a 'tornado' occurred this afternoon at the Jalan Segama Industrial State, Batu 1, and was recorded by the public at the scene.
Lahad Datu district police chief Assistant Commissioner Rohan Shah Ahmad, when contacted by Bernama, confirmed the incident. Police personnel were dispatched to the scene at 2.40 pm.
"According to witnesses at the scene, the incident occurred at around 1.30 pm and happened quickly, within no more than 60 seconds
"However, there were no casualties from the wind. The police have also not received any reports from the public," he said.