MATU – Floods in Matu district have struck earlier than expected this year, prompting authorities to call on residents to strengthen their preparedness and prioritise safety measures.
The announcement was made by Dato’ Murshid Diraja Dr Juanda Jaya, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) and Jemoreng assemblyman, following the Matu District Disaster Management Committee Meeting held at the Matu and Daro District Council meeting room on Monday.
The meeting brought together representatives from 15 state and federal agencies to coordinate strategies and reinforce disaster management readiness in the district.
Monitoring reports indicated rising water levels in several areas, signalling the need for early intervention to reduce risks and minimise the impact on residents.
Dato’ Murshid urged residents to comply with instructions from authorities and place family safety above all else.
He also encouraged close communication with the Village Security and Development Committees (JKKK) to stay updated on the latest flood information.
He stressed that residents instructed to relocate to Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) must do so promptly to avoid unnecessary incidents.
At the same time, he called on the Public Works Department (JKR) and related agencies to ensure roads remain accessible and to act swiftly if disruptions occur.
The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) Matu District issued further reminders, advising parents not to allow children to play in floodwaters due to health and safety risks. Residents were also urged to store important belongings in elevated places to prevent damage.
Meanwhile, the Matu and Daro District Police Chiefs confirmed that patrols and monitoring would be intensified to safeguard property. They advised residents to evacuate immediately if conditions worsened.
In a related advisory, the Daro Fire and Rescue Station Chief warned residents to remain alert to structural changes in homes, the risk of collapse, and potential electrical hazards such as short circuits during floods.
Authorities emphasised that all agencies will continue to collaborate closely and maintain constant monitoring to protect the welfare of Matu’s residents.
The early arrival of floods this year underscores the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in disaster preparedness.
