By William Isau
SIBU, Oct 9: Several low-lying areas especially those near the river bank have been inundated with flood water starting 7am today.
The affected areas include Jalan Khoo Peng Loong, Jalan Stabau, Jalan Salim, Jalan Penyulau-Kanowit, and Durin bazaar.
Sibu Divisional Disaster Management Committee (JPBBS) chairman Wong Hee Sieng when contacted said that the flooding occurred due to continuous rain here for the past few days.
However, he said, the situation returned to normal when the flood water started receding around 10.30am.
“This situation occurred due to the phenomenon of high tides when the inland area of Kapit upstream of Rajang experienced continuous rain coupled with water release activities at the Bakun Dam,” he said.
He advised residents living in low-lying areas to always be vigilant.
Meanwhile, Sibu Civil Defense Force (APM) officer Captain Frankie John Jawan said that they have activated the Sibu APM 24-hour Operations Room to deal with the possibility of floods.
“There are eight personnel per shift to act as first responders and to monitor areas at flood risk.
“APM Sibu has 86 members and officers for Sibu Division and that number will be increased if necessary,” he said.
Frankie said they had prepared three big boats and four small boats in addition to a four-wheel drive vehicle and an ambulance.
He advised the public to contact their operations room at 084-220044 for any problems related to the flood in their area.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has said the northeast monsoon season is expected to last from mid-November to March 2023. — DayakDaily
