KUCHING: Preparations are being made by the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) to handle any outbreak of forest fires during the hot and dry season which is expected to last until June.
Deputy Premier and SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said areas with a past record of wildfires during the hot season, like Baram in Miri, will be closely monitored.
“Therefore, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin will call a meeting with the relevant agencies and departments involved tomorrow to make sure that they are ready to face any eventualities,” he said.
He said this reporters when met at the Hari Raya open house hosted by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today (Apr 22).
Uggah also said what is more important is that everyone must refrain from engaging in any open burning activities.
“If you happen to do so, please, make sure to extinguish the fire completely before leaving so that it will not create fire and spread,” he said.
The relevant government agencies and departments, he said, have also been directed to prepare for hot and dry weather and the possibility of haze.
“The Social Welfare Department (JKM) is urged to be prepared to provide water supply to places where there is no water supply.
“Similarly, the Resident Office and the District Office are advised to face any possibility to minimise the impact on the people,” he said.
On another note, with the new COVID-19 variant, XBB1.16 or known as Arcturus variant having been detected in Sarawak, he reminded the public to to always be vigilant.
“Despite the scenario being a little different now because there are vaccines and medicines such as Paxlovid, people must not take things lightly.
“So don’t take it as a normal flu and if you catch a fever and have high body temperature, please go to the clinic and get checked,” he said.
