By Amanda L
KUCHING, Mar 25: Sarawak is bracing for hotter, drier conditions as the Northeast Monsoon ends on Mar 29, with authorities intensifying hotspot surveillance to prevent forest fires and reduce disaster risks.
According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has instructed all divisional and district authorities to closely monitor areas prone to fires, particularly in Kuala Baram and other high-risk locations.
“This dry season can trigger incidents similar to those we have seen before. Some areas, especially Kuala Baram, have experienced forest fires, while other locations may face water shortages. It is vital that authorities conduct close monitoring of potential hotspots,” he said during Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication II Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi’s Hari Raya open house at a hotel here today.
Uggah added that early identification of hotspots, especially in peatland and forested areas, allows authorities to take immediate action to prevent fires from spreading.
“If we can detect high-risk zones early, emergency measures can be deployed promptly to control open fires and minimise damage,” he said.
He also urged the public to avoid open burning, noting that police directives are in place and emphasising that vigilance and community cooperation are key to reducing fire risks and safeguarding the State.
As the monsoon season ends, National Disaster Management Agency’s (NADMA) warning highlights the need for heightened disaster preparedness with proactive monitoring and early intervention prioritised to protect communities and resources across Sarawak. — DayakDaily
