File photo captured by The Borneo Post photographer Chimon Upon shows dark, heavy clouds blanketing Kuching City. – Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (Dec 31): The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Malaysia has placed several low-lying areas in Kuching on alert following a flood warning issued due to continuous heavy rain and rising river levels.

In a statement, the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre and DID Malaysia said flooding is expected to occur from 8am today until 11pm on Jan 1, 2026.

The warning follows a Continuous Rain (Severe) alert issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) at 6.30am today, with river water levels forecast to rise and potentially exceed danger levels.

Areas identified as at risk include low-lying locations within a five-kilometre radius of the Sarawak River basin, covering areas around Sarawak General Hospital, Jalan McDougall, Jalan Matang, Kampung Sungai Bedaun, Jalan Kwong Lee Bank, Jalan Mendu, Jalan Tong Wei Tah, Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, Jalan Liu Shan Bang, Jalan Penrissen, Kampung Sinar Budi Baru, Taman Desa Wira, Jalan Ketitir, Jalan Burung Lilin, Jalan Sungai Tengah, Jalan Tabuan, Padang Merdeka, Kampung Buso and Kampung Segong.

Low-lying areas within five kilometres of the Batang Kayan river basin are also at risk, including Kampung Stunggang Melayu Baru, Kampung Stunggang Melayu Lama, Kampung Semunin, Kampung Dagang, Lundu town, Kampung Seling Melayu, Kampung Sileng Dayak, Kampung Sungai Lundu and Kampung Seketi.

Authorities cautioned that flooding may occur earlier or later than the forecast period and advised residents, particularly those in affected areas, to remain vigilant and comply with instructions from relevant authorities and flood management agencies.