By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, April 25: All relevant government agencies in Miri Division are on standby and stepping up preparations to face the dry season which is expected to occur in mid-May, says minister-in-charge of Miri Disaster Management Committee (MDMC) Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
The dry season is expected last until September this year, he added.
“As part of our (MDMC) preventive measure (during the dry season), we will coordinate all agencies to conduct daily patrols, including using drones in preventing open burning activities and haze occurrence,” he told the media today after chairing a meeting at the Miri Resident’s Office.
The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and the Department of Environment (DOE) have been given the task of conducting regular patrols using drones in hot spot areas in Kuala Baram, Senadin and Permyjaya.
Lee who is also Minister for Transport Sarawak said, seven large land owners in Kuala Baram have also been briefed on the preparations made.
“They are also getting ready, providing firefighting teams for any possibilities during the dry season….in fact one of the land owners even have drones ready,” he pointed out.
“We are fully aware Miri is well known for peat fires whenever there is dry season….last time we did water bombing and cloud seeding as part of our preventive measure to ensure bush fires were under control,” he said.
Lee disclosed a total 11 tube wells in the northern part of Miri city would be activated to help control bushfires within those fire-susceptible areas.
At the same time, Lee added, action plans to mitigate the impact of the dry season will be activated and the relevant agencies on high alert to monitor water sources and water facilities in drought-affected areas.
“LAKU (Laku Management Sdn Bhd) and the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) will provide water tanks to drought-affected areas during the dry spell season,” he said.
Also present at today’s meeting was Acting Miri Resident Juan Ubit. — DayakDaily
