By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 30: The Sarawak government has issued a stern warning over potential bush fires as the Southwest Monsoon sets in, with dry and hot weather expected by the second week of June.
Deputy Premier and Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has called on all divisional and district disaster management committees to remain on high alert and ready with their preparations.
Citing information from the Meteorological Department, he said prolonged dry spells could lead to bush fires, particularly in high-risk areas like Kuala Baram.
“The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Miri City Council (MCC), and all relevant departments and agencies must be on the highest alert.
“Make full use of lookout towers and ensure all tube wells are operational. The NREB should also deploy drones whenever smoke is detected in the area,” Uggah reportedly said during the SDMC meeting chaired here yesterday (May 29).
He further warned landowners to refrain from open burning activities, cautioning that enforcement action would be taken against those found guilty.
Meanwhile, Uggah said the Sarawak Cabinet will deliberate on whether individuals who refuse to relocate to evacuation centres during floods should still qualify for government financial aid, also known as Wang Ihsan.
“They may have their reasons, but we need to establish clear criteria.
“For example, if a longhouse is inaccessible due to floods and the victims are receiving food aid, are they still eligible for the financial assistance?” he questioned.
He revealed that during the most recent flood incident, about 21,000 victims were identified.
Also present at the meeting were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Deputy Sarawak Secretary Datuk Buckland Bangik, Department of Veterinary Services of Sarawak (DVSS) Director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, and Sarawak Health Department Director Dr Veronica Lugah. — DayakDaily
