SIBU (Jan 12): The flood situation in Sibu District remains under control, although several low-lying areas are still on alert following continuous rain over the past few days.

Sibu Civil Defence Force (APM) officer Major Mohd Reduan Aini said monitoring showed water levels at several affected locations were gradually receding.

“APM Sibu continues to carry out regular patrols and assessments in flood-prone areas to ensure the safety of residents.

“Although water levels in some areas have begun to subside, a high level of vigilance must be maintained due to unpredictable weather conditions,” he said in a statement.

Mohd Reduan said APM did not receive any requests for assistance from parents or guardians to transport students to school on the first day of term.

He said main access routes to schools remained accessible, with no dangerous water levels recorded on major roads connecting residential areas to schools.

“However, several lanes and house compounds are experiencing water ponding, but these areas remain accessible using heavy or high-clearance vehicles as well as on foot,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the Kampung Jeriah temporary evacuation centre (PPS) closed at 7pm on Sunday after flooding in the area improved.

He said Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman personally delivered assistance for evacuees at the centre on Sunday.

“Another PPS at SMK Bukit Assek opened on Sunday to shelter one family of six.

“As of this morning, there has been no increase in the number of evacuees at the centre and the situation remains under control,” he said.

Mohd Reduan said APM and the Malaysian Armed Forces have visited every lane in the Jerrwit and Sentosa areas to assess water levels in residents’ homes.

“If conditions are found to be hazardous, residents will be advised to evacuate to the PPS,” he added.

He thanked the Sibu District Education Office as well as the management and principal of SMK Bukit Assek for their preparedness and full cooperation in setting up a PPS at the school hall.

According to him, the SMK Bukit Assek hall is located separately from the academic blocks, ensuring that evacuation operations do not disrupt daily routines or student learning.