TENOM: The District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD) declared a flood disaster in the district at midnight on Sunday.
District Officer Mas Syazwan Masood, who also chairs JPBD, said the declaration was made due to rapidly rising water levels.
The decision followed a briefing from the Tenom District Disaster Management Technical Agency, which reported a sharp increase in water levels.
Fifteen villages have been affected, with 67 victims relocated to a temporary transit centre or family homes as their residences are no longer safe.
Mas Syazwan has directed the immediate activation of the Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB) and Field Control Centre (PKTK), urging all relevant agencies to take swift action to ensure the safety and welfare of those affected.