Several areas in Penampang near here were flooded after continuous heavy rain earlier this week.

The downpour, which began shortly after noon, caused the Moyog river to overflow.

The affected areas included Limbanak, Sugut and Kibabaig.

It is understood that the house of Trade and Industry Minister Darell Leiking, in Limbanak, was affected as well.

The Inobong Putaton Bansadon road was cut off from traffic after portions of it collapsed at about 5pm, creating a sinkhole four metres deep and six metres wide.

According to a Fire and Rescue Department spokesman, there are no alternative routes. The road maintenance concessionaire was instructed to put up a warning sign to inform the public not to use the stretch for the time being.

The spokesman added that a temporary flood relief centre was opened at the Penampang Cultural Centre hall. However, no residents were forced to leave their homes, and the centre was closed at 9pm, about an hour after the rain stopped.

The Meteorological Department had earlier released a thunderstorm warning for Sabah's interior areas, west coast including Papar, Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Tuaran and Ranau, and the east coast districts of Sandakan and Labuan.