Water bombing underway in Penasu Mukah, Kemuyang Sibu as Sarawak battles hotspots

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, March 29: Helicopter water bombing operations are underway in Penasu, Mukah, as Sarawak authorities tackle a fire hotspot in the area.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, said the operation may also extend to Kemuyang in Sibu, another hotspot on peatland that requires urgent attention.

“This morning, Bomba sent a helicopter to do water bombing at Penasu.

“We have also requested that it go to Sibu, because these fires are occurring on peatland,” Uggah said during a doorstep interview at Sarawak Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi’s Hari Raya open house today.

Uggah explained that peat soil fires are particularly challenging to control.

“Even when we see smoke, the fire may have already spread underground. When flames are visible, it often means a large area has been affected. That is why we must extinguish it as soon as possible,” he added.

Authorities are also using drones through the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) to monitor fire-prone areas and detect early signs of smoke.

Uggah noted that a previous hotspot in Sebuyau has been extinguished, and another fire was reported in Bintulu.

Water bombing had also previously been carried out in Jepak, which is now under control.

At the same time, Uggah advised the public to avoid open burning, warning that unattended fires could quickly escalate under strong winds.

“If open burning is unavoidable, ensure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving. There have been cases where fires were left unattended, and strong winds later caused serious fires in the area,” he said.

He also highlighted water supply challenges in parts of Sarawak due to the prolonged dry spell, particularly in coastal and interior areas. The Welfare Department is mobilising assistance to provide drinking water, while the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) is preparing to deploy water tankers to affected communities.

“For now, bottled water is being sent to these areas, and JBALB will bring in tankers as needed. We will hold a meeting next week to monitor all facilities and ensure the public’s needs are met,” Uggah said.

Responding to a question on cloud seeding, Uggah said it would only be considered as a last resort.

“Cloud seeding requires the presence of clouds. If there are no clouds, there is nothing to seed. We will decide when it is necessary,” he emphasised. – DayakDaily