Floodwaters have inundated many villages on this duty-free-island off Sabah following heavy rain since 10pm yesterday.

The villages hit are Kampung Rancha-Rancha Darat, Kg Gersik Baru, Kg Gersik Saguking, Kg Ganggarak, Kg Sg Keling and Batu Manikar.

Also affected are Labuan Sea Sport International Complex and Taman Perumahan Mutiara.

Mohd Rasid Jaluddin, a Rancha-Rancha Darat villager, told Bernama he was away in Sabah when his house and car were affected by flooding.

“It was fortunate, as my children were not in the house when the flood waters entered the house. My children were staying at their grandmother’s house. I hope there will be assistance to us,” Rashid said.

The MP for the Federal Territory of Labuan, Rozman Isli, accompanied by Labuan Corporation deputy chief executive officer (Development) Mohd Zamri Mohd Esa, visited affected villages to see for themselves the situation and for assistance to be channelled.

Labuan Fire and Rescue Department director Zainal Madasin reminded villagers to take precautionary measures as low-lying areas were at risk if the rain persisted.

Earthworks and a poor drainage system are believed to be the cause of the flash flood problem in Kampung Rancha-Rancha Darat here.

Mohd Rezuan Abd Hassan, a villager there, said he has suffered more than RM20,000 in losses in the past two years due to flash floods after the earthworks began late last year.

“The main culprit is the earthworks near our backyard which has led to the poor drainage system. The drain will overflow whenever it rains as our house is located on a lower ground,” he told Bernama.

Another villager, Mohd Rasid Jaluddin said his house and two cars were submerged in water, costing him around RM5,000 in losses just for the repairs of the cars.

Another unhappy resident said the earthworks were being carried out for the construction of a warehouse.

- Bernama