SIBU – Local authorities moved swiftly to assess the aftermath of a severe storm that battered the Sibujaya area on Saturday afternoon, ensuring that immediate relief and support were provided to affected residents.
The Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) deployed a team led by Deputy Chairman Cr. Wong Ching Yong to inspect damaged properties and visit temporary evacuation centres.
The storm, which struck with significant force, caused extensive damage to several residential structures. Reports indicated that roofs were torn off multiple homes, leaving families exposed to the elements.
As a precautionary measure to prevent electrical hazards, power supplies were disconnected in certain affected zones, further disrupting daily life for the community.
In response to the emergency, the Sibu Division Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) activated a Pusat Pemindahan Sementara (PPS), or Temporary Relocation Centre, at the Sibujaya Community Hall.
This facility was established to provide shelter and basic necessities to those whose homes were rendered uninhabitable by the high winds and heavy rain.
Cr. Wong, accompanied by other councillors and council officers, visited the PPS to gauge the situation on the ground.
The delegation engaged with displaced families, offering words of comfort and assurance that the council was committed to assisting them during this difficult period.
They also toured several damaged houses and the Rumah Asap Sibujaya to get a firsthand understanding of the scale of destruction. The SRDC expressed deep concern for the welfare of the victims and pledged ongoing support.
While Council Chairman Cr. Sempurai Ak. Petrus Ngelai was outstation at the time of the incident, it was announced that he would return the following day to personally oversee recovery efforts and visit the affected areas.
His presence is expected to reinforce the council’s commitment to resolving the issues faced by the community.
The rapid response to the disaster was made possible through the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies.
The SRDC extended its sincere appreciation to the Sibu Resident’s Office, the Sibu District Office, and the DDMC for their leadership in managing the crisis.
Critical support was also provided by the Fire and Rescue Department, the Royal Malaysia Police, and the Civil Defence Force (APM), who worked tirelessly to ensure public safety and facilitate evacuations.
Additional assistance came from the Welfare Department, which attended to the social needs of the victims, and Sarawak Energy, which managed the technical aspects of power restoration safely.
The council also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of volunteers and members of the public who stepped forward to help their neighbours, demonstrating the strong spirit of communal solidarity in times of crisis.
Moving forward, the SRDC confirmed that it would continue to work closely with all relevant agencies under the coordination of the Sibu Resident.
The focus remains on providing necessary aid, clearing debris, and facilitating repairs so that residents can return to their normal lives as soon as possible. The welfare and safety of the affected residents remain the utmost priority for the local authority.
Officials are monitoring weather conditions closely, hoping for an improvement in the forecast to allow for more efficient recovery operations. The council has urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official advice regarding safety precautions.
This incident highlights the importance of robust disaster management frameworks in rural and semi-urban areas.
The seamless collaboration between government bodies, emergency services, and the community serves as a model for effective crisis response. As cleanup efforts begin, the attention of the state turns to the resilience of the Sibujaya community and their ability to rebuild stronger than before.
