THE Malaysia Day celebration, scheduled for 16 September at Padang Merdeka in Kota Kinabalu, is officially cancelled due to what officials described as unpredictable weather conditions.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, who chairs the organising committee, said the decision was made in the interest of public safety.
“We have decided not to proceed with the Malaysia Day celebration at Padang Merdeka because of the unpredictable weather.
“The safety of the public must always come first,” she said in a statement here on Monday.
Malaysia Day is scheduled tomorrow.
She added that residents should remain cautious as heavy rain continues across much of the state.
“We advise the public to always stay safe and take precautionary steps in preparing for any unforeseen situations,” she said. “We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused.”
The cancellation comes as Sabah grapples with severe flooding and landslides triggered by days of heavy rain.
The Public Works Department (JKR) recorded 89 incidents between 8 and 15 September, with Penampang and Kota Kinabalu among the worst affected.
Penampang reported 34 cases, including widespread landslides along major roads and the collapse of a bridge, while Kota Kinabalu recorded 16 incidents involving flash floods, road subsidence and landslips.
Elsewhere, Beaufort saw seasonal floods that left several roads impassable, Papar experienced flash floods around Kinarut Township, and Kota Belud logged multiple landslides and inundations.
In total, JKR listed 42 landslides, 18 flash floods, 15 seasonal floods and 10 road collapses, alongside two damaged bridges, one mudslide and a case of road subsidence.
While many routes have since reopened, several remain shut, cutting off communities.
As of 15 September, 26 roads across five districts remain closed: 10 in Penampang, six in Kota Kinabalu, five in Beaufort, four in Papar and one in Kota Belud.
According to the Sabah Disaster Management Committee, 428 people from 115 households have been displaced so far.
Three districts namely, Beaufort, Penampang and Tawau, have opened four relief centres, housing residents from 23 affected villages.
Beaufort has seen the sharpest increase, with 168 people from eight villages evacuated.
Penampang recorded 201 evacuees from 14 villages, while 59 residents from one village in Tawau were also forced to move. One death has been confirmed. - September 15, 2025
