Sarawak gov’t to back Miri in securing assets as El Niño forecast signals extended dry spell

Uggah (centre) chairing the Miri DDMC meeting at Miri Resident Office on May 4, 2026. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

MIRI, May 5: The Sarawak government is prepared to assist agencies under the Miri Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) in securing the necessary assets to strengthen preparedness for the anticipated impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to bring prolonged hot and dry conditions from June to August.

In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tuun Openg has already expressed his support, including the allocation of funding for the initiative.

“We will examine the procurement costs as well as maintenance requirements to ensure smooth, efficient and continuous operations,” he said when chairing a meeting on the dry season, hot weather and peatland fire preparedness at the Miri Resident Office on Monday (May 4).

Earlier, in his capacity as Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, Uggah was briefed by relevant agencies on the current situation and preparedness measures to mitigate El Niño-related risks, including open burning and water resource management in affected areas.

During the briefing, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak highlighted the need for additional equipment, including firefighting hoses and water carriers, to strengthen operational capacity, particularly in the event of large-scale fires.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) reported that the monsoon transition phase is expected to continue until May, with hotter conditions and reduced rainfall likely to intensify from June through August. — DayakDaily