Sarawak ramps up preparations for hot, dry season as monsoon nears end

KUCHING (March 25): Preparations for the hot and dry season are being intensified as the northeast monsoon is expected to end this March 29, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

He said the state had received notification from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) that the monsoon period — typically associated with heavy rainfall and flooding — is nearing its end.

“This also serves as a warning that a hot and dry season may be approaching, as we are already experiencing now.

In response, Uggah said the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will convene meetings and instruct all divisional and district disaster management committees to remain on standby for the upcoming dry spell.

The SDMC chairman said this when met by reporters after visiting Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Waterfront Hotel here.

Uggah noted that previous dry seasons had resulted in incidents such as fires and water shortages in several areas.

He said places such as Kuala Baram had previously experienced fire outbreaks, while other locations faced insufficient water supply.

“As we prepare, we also want to remind the public to remain vigilant. During hot weather, the risk of fires increases. The committee also needs to be ready to respond, especially in areas prone to fires. We must ensure that all precautionary measures are in place,” he said.

He added that authorities were inspecting infrastructure in vulnerable areas, including tube wells, check dams and other facilities, to detect early signs of hotspots.

“For example, in Kuala Baram, we are checking infrastructure such as tube wells, check dams, and all facilities monitored by the authorities to identify early signs of hotspots.

“Bush fires can occur anywhere. To mitigate risks, relevant authorities have been tasked with closely monitoring hotspot areas.

“For example in the peatland area, early detection is crucial to containing fires before they spread further,” said Uggah.

Uggah said preventive measures also include ensuring infrastructure such as tube wells and water pumps are properly maintained so that they remain fully operational when needed.

He also reminded the public to avoid open burning during the hot and dry period.