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Sarawak braces for hot, dry weather as southwest monsoon hits; authorities on high alert for bushfires
Uggah says all divisional and district disaster management committees have been instructed to prepare for the ongoing southwest monsoon phase. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (May 30): The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast hot and dry weather conditions for Sarawak starting from the second week of June, said State Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman said all divisional and district disaster management committees have been instructed to prepare for the ongoing southwest monsoon phase.
'Bushfires could break out due to the situation,' he cautioned when chairing an SDMC meeting here on Thursday.
He added that the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Miri Municipal Council, and other relevant agencies have been placed on high alert, especially in fire-prone areas such as Kuala Baram.
He emphasised the importance of maximising the use of lookout towers and ensuring all tube wells are fully operational.
'The NREB should fly their drones when any signs of smoke are detected there,' he said, while issuing a stern warning to landowners against open burning.
'We will take action against them (landowners) if this happens. In a nutshell, all must be fast and effective in responding to any bushfire occurrences to minimise the impacts and damages,' he said.
On a related note, he revealed that the state cabinet is set to decide whether individuals who refuse to evacuate to flood relief centres will remain eligible for the government's compassionate assistance fund, known as Wang Ihsan.
'They may have their reasons, but we need to establish clear criteria,' he explained.
'For instance, a longhouse may be inaccessible due to flooding and the victims are given food ration – but are they still entitled to receive the financial aid?'
He also disclosed that some 21,000 victims were identified during the last flood event. bushfires douglas uggah embas dry hot weather lead SDMC
