Latest news with #SarawakDisasterManagementCommittee
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Nadma helps repair damaged bridges in Sarawak
KUCHING: The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) has delivered Bailey Bridge construction components to Sarawak to repair broken bridges in remote districts, ahead of the coming monsoon season from November to March. 'We are thankful to Nadma for these vital components,' said Sarawak Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Amar Dougglas Uggah. 'The state Public Works Department will send the equipment to Sungai Baleh to build a new Bailey Bridge and replace the existing wooden one that was damaged by floods last year during the monsoon season. 'The bridge can be built within one week.' Sungai Baleh, which is about 100m wide, is located near the Long Banga settlement in interior Baram. Dougglas, who is also Sarawak deputy premier, said Nadma is helping to build similar iron bridges in interior central Sarawak to replace damaged ones. 'We have identified more than 200 locations throughout Sarawak where bridges are broken or damaged. 'Many are in (remote) locations where there are logging operations.' Among the locations are rural areas such as Long San, Palungan, Bario, Long Pilah (in northern Sarawak), the Belaga and Kapit districts in central Sarawak and the Skrang and Sri Aman districts in southern Sarawak. Dougglas expressed hope that Nadma and Putrajaya would help provide more equipment to Sarawak to construct new bridges at critical locations. Long Banga in the Baram district is located about 200km inland from Miri city. The Bailey Bridge components can be installed quickly and are made of iron, making them durable against heavy rain and floods. The bridge would help ensure seamless road travel into interior and remote areas. The construction of one bridge may vary depending on the width of the river and could cost up to RM300,000. This excludes the cost of transporting components through mountainous terrain. About one million residents in remote locations throughout Sarawak have to endure unsafe conditions on roads and bridges daily.
Borneo Post
30-07-2025
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Dry spell: Divisional, district SDMCs instructed to be on standby
Uggah (centre) visits one of the booths at BIIS 2025 with other distinguished guests. — Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 30): The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will hold a meeting to monitor the haze situation in Mukah and also address the water shortage affecting several villages. According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the SDMC chairman, Sarawak is currently experiencing hot and dry weather, and thus, all divisional and district-level disaster management committees have been instructed to be on standby as this is a yearly occurrence. He said he received a report from the Mukah Resident on Monday and action had already been taken. 'Our directive was to monitor the situation. 'In Kuala Baram, we have directed Natural Resources and Environment (NREB) to deploy their drones,' he said when met by reporters after the launch of Borneo International Integrity Summit (BIIS) 2025 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday. Uggah said the strategy meant to detect smoke early, especially in the case of peat fires. 'The strategy is always to identify the smoke because this peat fire; if we wait to see flames, then a big area has already been burned. 'That's why we're using the strategy to identify using drones to see the smoke and take action.' Uggah also reminded all resident and district offices to monitor villages facing water shortages, and to work closely with Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB). 'This is a serious issue and we have to make sure that our machinery is prepared to face the situation on the ground,' said Uggah. The Deputy Premier also advised the public against open-burning, warning that small fires could easily lead to larger ones. He added that the Health Department would provide guidance, should the Air Pollutant Index (API) reach unhealthy levels and urged everyone to take care of their health. 'Please cooperate, everyone including the public, to make sure that we can prevent open-burning. It can be controlled,' he stressed.
New Straits Times
29-07-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Sarawak to convene meeting soon on drought and water supply concerns
KUCHING: A Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) meeting will be convened within the next two days to address the ongoing water shortage and drought in the state, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah. He said the meeting is aimed at ensuring the state's disaster response machinery is well prepared to deal with the current situation. "These are serious issues that we need to deal with immediately," he told reporters after representing Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg at the inaugural Borneo International Integrity Summit yesterday. Uggah, who also chairs the SDMC, said all Divisional and District Disaster Management Committees (DDDMCs) have been placed on high alert due to the prolonged dry spell. He added that he has instructed the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) to deploy drones to detect hotspots. "If we were to wait for a big area to be burnt, then it will be too late," Uggah said, explaining that the drones would help detect smoke early and allow for immediate action. He said the current hotspots are mainly peat fires. "It seems that there are many hotspots in Sarawak," he said, warning the public against open burning. The state Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) reported that large tracts of land in Mukah and Marudi have been affected in recent days. In Mukah, a fire that began on July 25 has destroyed more than two hectares of peat forest, while in Marudi, over 80 hectares have been lost to a fire that started on July 26. Uggah also urged the DDDMCs to monitor villages and longhouses facing water shortages. He said the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development is working closely with the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) to deliver water to affected areas.
Borneo Post
29-07-2025
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Lee urges vigilance against peat fires as Miri faces hot, dry spell
Malaysian Army personnel seen in action during a firefighting operation against peat fire in this file photo. MIRI (July 29): Landowners and estate operators, particularly those in fire-prone peat areas here, are being urged to remain vigilant and closely monitor their lands to prevent any open burning activities. Sarawak Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said that any signs of fire must be dealt with promptly. 'We cannot afford to be complacent,' he said in a statement today. Several areas in Miri, in particular Permyjaya, Senadin and Kuala Baram, are known to be prone to peat fires over the years, which have long been a cause for concern, especially during prolonged dry and hot spells. Commenting on the current heat and haze in Miri, Lee said he had called for immediate and coordinated action to reduce fire risks. 'I have highlighted Miri's situation personally to the chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, when he was in Miri for the Sarawak Day celebration. 'He had instructed the Miri Resident to urgently mobilise relevant enforcement agencies to conduct ground patrols and take necessary actions to prevent wildfires, especially in hotspot-prone areas,' he said. Lee added that the Miri Divisional Disaster Management Committee is scheduled to convene a meeting on July 30 (tomorrow) to enhance coordination between the relevant departments and agencies, ensuring swift and collective action to mitigate wildfire risks in peat soil areas. The key agencies involved, he said, include the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Civil Defence Force (APM), Department of Environment (DOE), Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Sarawak Meteorological Department, Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak, Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Sarawak Water Supply Company, local authorities as well as the Health Department. Lee also urged the public to fully cooperate with the authorities and refrain from any form of open burning. 'If you see fire or suspicious smoke, alert the Bomba immediately. We must all be ready to respond swiftly and responsibly,' he said. He further advised the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions should the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings reach unhealthy levels. Lee emphasised that community cooperation is vital in preventing environmental disasters during this dry season. landowners Lee Kim Shin open-burning peat fire
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
RM31.7 mln for post-monsoon disaster recovery projects proposed in Serian
Sagah carries the mat which had been folded to symbolise the closing of Gawai celebrations. Looking on are Martin (third left) and Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency special administrative officer Datu Ik Pahon Joyik (first left). – Ukas photo KUCHING (June 21): A total of 55 disaster rehabilitation projects in Serian, estimated to cost RM31.7 million, have been proposed and submitted to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), said State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. These proposed projects include repairs to areas affected by floods, landslides, erosion, and fallen trees during the Northeast Monsoon earlier this year. Sagah, who is also Tarat assemblyman, was cited in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report as saying these proposed projects are a comprehensive effort to strengthen disaster response capabilities and minimise the risk of future damage. 'The disaster (floods and landslides) this time was particularly challenging as it occurred during the Chinese New Year celebrations. However, the swift action and cooperation of all agencies and the local community ensured the safety and welfare of the people,' he said at a closing of Gawai and appreciation dinner for individuals involved during Northeast Monsoon 2025 at Dewan Tapah, Siburan on Friday night. On a related matter, he said a total seven flood relief centres (PPS) in Serian Division are being upgraded as a proactive measure in facing any possible future natural disasters especially during the Northeast Monsoon. He explained this PPS upgrade is part of the state government's efforts to improve infrastructure preparedness and strengthen community support systems when dealing with disaster situations. He also acknowledged the efforts of Serian Division Resident Caroline Cleophas Joseph as the Chairman of the Divisional Disaster Management Committee, along with district officers, community leaders and donors who provided assistance in various forms during the Northeast Monsoon earlier this year which affected more than 2,500 residents in Serian. 'This assistance and contribution not only saved lives, but also became a symbol of the humanity and solidarity of the Sarawakian community,' he added. He also announced a total RM780,000 in flood disaster compassionate funds have been approved by the Sarawak JPBN to be channeled to 780 heads of households who moved to PPS between Jan 28 January and February 6 this year. Among those present at the dinner were Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben, Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin and Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada. floods lead Roland Sagah Wee Inn Sarawak Disaster Management Committee
