By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, August 13: Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has called for better coordination and collaboration among relevant agencies to address peat soil fires and the haze situation.
This applies not only to the northern region (including Miri) but the whole state.
He stressed the need for agencies such as the Civil Defence Force (APM), army, volunteer firefighters, Rela and Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) to “coordinate and collaborate to combat the issues.”
Speaking to reporters at the Tudan watchtower this evening after chairing a meeting earlier today with various government agencies on peat soil fires and the haze crisis, the Deputy Chief Minister said the state government had allocated RM600,000 for the purpose of renting machinery to help build trenches and fire breaks in Miri.
“They can use the funds immediately to rent excavators to help build trenches along the affected areas. Hence, issues related to lack of manpower or machinery should not happen,” he pointed out.
It is understood that three excavators would be used as soon as possible to help build trenches and fire breaks.
Uggah also called on landowners to give their cooperation in combating peat soil fires and containing the haze situation.
Meanwhile, a total of 25 hotspots were detected statewide today, with the three main focus areas being Miri, Sibu and Sarikei, revealed Bomba Sarawak director Khirudin Drahman.
An additional 15 firefighters from Kuching were also deployed to Miri to assist the team here.
Also present at the watchtower were Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting and Khirudin. — DayakDaily
