Photo taken on March 21 shows the inundated portion of Jalan Lanang towards the town center. – Photo by Peter Boon

SIBU (March 28): Residents in low-lying areas have been put on flood alert again, with King Tide expected to reach 3.7 metres on March 31.

According to Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sibu Divisional engineer Rudi Abang Zamhari, floodings in low-lying areas may occur if the King Tide coincides with heavy rainfall in the catchment area.

“It depends on if there is heavy rainfall within the catchment just like what happened in January this year,” he said.

Rudi noted that Kapit had stayed dry over the past few days, but those residing in low-lying areas should still be on alert.

“Last three days there has not been much rain in Kapit, but nevertheless, ok to be alert and take necessary precaution.”

Based on the Sarawak Tide Table 2025, the King Tide of 3.7m is expected at 8.53am next Monday.

It will recede to 1.7m at 4.17pm before climbing to 3.4m at 8.49pm on the same day.

Meanwhile, several areas here including major roads were inundated last week, leading to bumper-to-bumper traffic.

For the record, Jalan Ling Kai Cheng – one of the heavy traffic-laden roads, was submerged under water, rendering it impassable to light vehicles.

On a related matter, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, had urged the federal government to give priority to the approval and implementation of Phase 5 of the Sibu Flood Mitigation Project (FMP).

He made the request when speaking to reporters after officiating at the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Sibu Chapter’s annual flag sale in Star Megamall here last week.