Keep close watch on water level, residents advised

Residents staying near Rajang River banks and in lowlying areas are reminded to be vigilant and keep a close watch on the water level at their respective areas.

Sibu Resident Charles Siaw, when giving the advice said they should report to the relevant agencies and district office if there are cases of flooding in their areas.

“To those who are using boat as their main mode of transportation when returning home, they are advised to give priority to safety and plan their journey,” Siaw told The Borneo Post when contacted yesterday.

He was asked on the flooding along certain stretches of Lanang Road leading to the town centre yesterday.

The flood water however receded in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, a source from the Department of Drainage and Irrigation ( DID) Sibu said: “The flood was caused by heavy rain coupled with excess water released from Bakun Dam through its spillway and the occurrence of King Tide.

“The Bakun ( dam) stopped spillway release since Monday morning. But it would take over three to four days to flush out all the extra water.”

During an observation yesterday, the affected stretch was still passable to vehicles, but motorists were spotted using alternative route to the town centre.

They turned into Aman Road roundabout and headed towards Wong King Huo Road.

On Wesak Day on Tuesday, the same stretch of road was also flooded.

Meanwhile, according to Malaysia Civil Defence Force’s (APM) report here at 10am on Tuesday, the road leading towards the town (on the left) was inundated, while the stretch to Lanang Road (on the right), the water was about ankle- deep.

The affected area is not covered by Sibu Flood Mitigation Project.