KOTA KINABALU (Bernama): Heavy rains on Tuesday (Sept 21) morning have caused floods in several areas in the districts of Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Tuaran today.

       A Sabah State Disaster Management Secretariat spokesman said that the agencies currently involved are monitoring the flood 'hotspot' areas and early preparations have been made to face flood hazards in the state.

       "Sungai Moyog was found to be at a dangerous level, and both directions of Jalan Datuk Panglima Banting in Penampang are affected, the public is advised to always be careful in this flood situation. No victims have been evacuated and no relief centre has been opened so far," he said.

       Meanwhile, a check by Bernama found that several areas were hit by floods in Kota Kinabalu; among them Likas, Kolombong, and Manggatal, while Kolopis and Donggongon in Penampang and Salut, Telipok and Rugading in Tuaran are also affected.

       Several roads leading to Kota Kinabalu from Tuaran were also affected, including Jalan Salut and Jalan Sulaman, and a check found that flood waters had made the road impassable to vehicles, causing a three-kilometre traffic congestion.

       Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department in statement issued a severe weather warning for the west coast of Sabah at 8.35am today, stating that heavy rains are expected to continue in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Tuaran, Papar and Kota Belud.

       Heavy rains are also expected in Sabah's interior areas such as Sipitang, Tenom, Kuala Penyu, Beaufort, Keningau, and Tambunan, as well as at Ranau and Kudat.- Bernama