Uggah: Sarawak on alert for fires and water shortages in dry season

KUCHING (April 2): The Sarawak government is closely monitoring the ongoing hot and dry weather across the state, with authorities on high alert for potential fires and water shortages.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the situation required heightened preparedness at all levels, particularly as the dry spell had only just begun.

The State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) chairman revealed that eight fire incidents were recorded across the state in recent days, involving areas in Mukah, Betong, Simunjan, Sarikei, Miri and Lawas, but were successfully contained through swift action by relevant agencies.

“However, this is a warning to all of us because the hot and dry season has just begun.

“We have instructed all disaster management committees at the division and district levels to be on high alert,” he told a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.

Earlier, he had graced the handover ceremony of the State Disaster Command Centre upgrading project from National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to JPBN Sarawak. Also present were Nadma director-general Meor Ismail Meor Akim and Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datu Felicia Tan.

Uggah stressed that open burning remained a key cause of fires, noting that such activities, if left unattended, could easily spread under current weather conditions.

He said authorities, including the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), would take action while continuing to monitor hotspots across the state.

“We have advised them to take the necessary actions as they are the relevant authorities responsible for monitoring hotspots,” he said.

He said according to yesterday’s report, there were no hotspots in Sarawak.

“The Air Pollutant Index (API) reading in Miri was the highest recorded yesterday, but remained at a moderate level, with no other areas in the state reaching hazardous conditions.”

He also said that the state is monitoring developments in neighbouring Indoneisa.

“Based on our reports, there is one hotspot in Sumatra, and we are particularly concerned about Kalimantan.

“However, so far there is no indication of serious impact, but we are continuing to monitor closely,” he said.

Uggah also noted that water shortage was another key concern during the dry season and relevant agencies have been directed to work together to identify and assist affected areas.

“We have instructed the relevant committees to be on standby and to collaborate with the Rural Water Supply Department and the Welfare Department to monitor areas with no water supply and to take immediate action where necessary,” he said.

He said cloud seeding efforts currently underway in Peninsular Malaysia could be considered in Sarawak if conditions are suitable, expressing hope that rainfall would help alleviate the effects of the dry spell.

He also called on the media to play a proactive role in educating the public and encouraging prompt reporting of fire incidents as early action is key to mitigating risks.