Uggah: Aerial water bombing deployed to tackle peat fires in Sarawak

KUCHING (March 29): Aerial water bombing operations have been deployed in Sarawak as authorities intensify efforts to contain peatland fires triggered by ongoing hot and dry weather, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Uggah said the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has mobilised helicopters to carry out water bombing in fire-affected areas, particularly near Kampong Penasu in Mukah.

“This morning, Bomba deployed a helicopter to conduct water bombing operations near Kampong Penasu. We are also requesting similar operations to be carried out in Sibu,” he said.

He added that active hotspots have been detected in Kemuyang, Sibu and areas near Kampung Penasu, while the fire situation in Sebuyau has been extinguished and recent fires in Jepak, Bintulu are under control.

Uggah, who is also chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), said the fires are occurring on peat soil, making them particularly difficult to extinguish.

“Peat fires are very challenging. What we see on the surface is only part of the situation. When flames are visible, it means a large area beneath has already been affected,” he explained.

In response, Uggah said authorities are also deploying drones through the Department of Environment (DOE) and Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) to monitor fire-prone areas such as Kuala Baram and Mukah.

He said this when met during a Hari Raya open house hosted by Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi at the latter’s residence yesterday.

Beyond the fires, Uggah said the prolonged dry spell is also beginning to affect water supply in several parts of the state.

“We have received reports from Betong. If the hot weather persists, more villages, especially in coastal and interior regions, may face water shortages,” he said.

As such, the Welfare Department has begun distributing bottled drinking water, while the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) is preparing to mobilise water tankers to affected areas.

“We are prioritising drinking water supply first. Tankers will be deployed as needed,” he said.

Uggah also urged the public to refrain from open burning, warning that negligence remains a major cause of fire outbreaks.

“In some cases, people leave fires unattended without ensuring they are fully extinguished. With strong winds, this can quickly escalate into a serious wildfire,” he said.

When asked about cloud seeding, he said it would only be considered as a last resort.

“It depends on the presence of clouds. Without clouds, cloud seeding cannot be carried out. We will decide when necessary,” he added.