By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Mar 10: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has urged disaster management agencies in Sarawak to utilise the latest technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis systems, to improve weather forecasting and enable earlier response measures.
Uggah, who is also chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, said agencies such as the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the Malaysian Meteorological Department, SDMC, and the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) need to explore the use of new technologies to strengthen the State’s early warning system and disaster management.
“We must utilise the latest technology so that we can predict in advance areas that are potentially affected by floods,” he said while attending a ceremony at a leading hotel here on Monday (Mar 9), as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
Uggah noted that disaster management abroad has shown that technology can help authorities predict disasters several days in advance, providing sufficient time to evacuate residents and prepare the necessary logistics.
“With better forecasting technology, it is possible to anticipate disaster risks two or three days earlier and prepare accordingly,” he said.
He added that the approach is vital given Sarawak’s vast geographical size, which requires careful planning to ensure assets and aid can be mobilised more efficiently when disasters occur. — DayakDaily
