Kapit residents warned against open burning to prevent bushfires amid dry spell

KAPIT (March 26): The people must not carry out open burning during the current hot and dry spell to prevent potential bushfires, said Kapit district officer Thomas Kandawang.

He said with Kapit experiencing hot weather since last month, there is a heightened risk of uncontrolled bushfires breaking out if precautions are not taken.

“The public must remain vigilant and avoid conducting open burning because it raises the risk of triggering a bushfire, which will cause air pollution.

“Immediately contact Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) if you come across a bush fire,” he said after chairing a Kapit District Disaster Management Committee meeting today.

For those facing water shortage during this dry spell, he said they can contact the Rural Water Supply Department to arrange for delivery.

“If your area depends on gravity feed supply and your taps run dry, you may request the welfare office for assistance,” he added.

The meeting was attended by representatives from various agencies, including Bomba, Civil Defence Force, Welfare Department, Health Department, Public Works Department, and Department of Irrigation and Drainage.