KUCHING, May 16: Despite the country currently experiencing hot weather, the Federal government has no immediate intention to declare a heatwave emergency.
According to various news reports by national dailies, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was quoted saying that the government is prepared to do so if necessary.
“For now, we don’t think there is a need for an emergency to be declared.
“We are monitoring on a 24-hour basis, and if need be, we are ready to activate the National Security Council Directive No. 20 on the national disaster management policy and mechanism in addressing the situation,” he said after chairing the National Disaster Management Committee meeting in Putrajaya today.
This directive encompasses proactive and comprehensive measures in disaster management, including prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and emergency procedures.
Acknowledging the need for preventive actions to mitigate the situation, Ahmad Zahid stated that cloud seeding would soon be conducted in collaboration between the armed forces, particularly the air force and the Meteorological Department.
The focus will be on seven dams—Sungai Muda and Sungai Kedah in Kedah; Sungai Melaka in Melaka; Sungai Kelantan in Kelantan; Sungai Klang in Selangor; Sungai Bernam at Perak-Selangor border; and Sungai Similajau in Sarawak—that are expected to experience a drop in water levels and affect water supply.
The meeting also informed that open burning was expected to occur at 406 locations identified as peat soil areas.
Ahmad Zahid also informed that experts predicted that the current weather conditions will last until September, and temperature at some locations in Malaysia is expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius in July. — DayakDaily
