By DayakDaily Team
MUKAH, July 30: The Mukah Divisional Disaster Management Committee is drafting a more comprehensive action plan to combat the worsening forest fires near UiTM Mukah and Mukah Airport, which includes a key proposal to construct a large drainage system to act as a fire breaker for early containment.
This decision was made during a coordination meeting held on Tuesday (July 29), chaired by Mukah Division Resident Datu Kueh Lei Poh and attended by Deputy Resident Shafrie Saili and Mukah District Officer Peleadzman Ahip.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Kueh said the increasingly widespread fires have raised serious concerns over public safety, residents’ health, and the continuity of flight operations.
“In addition to constructing a fire breaker, we must step up integrated monitoring. All technical agencies and NGOs must continue working closely together to mobilise resources and prevent the fires from spreading into high-risk areas,” he stressed.
He reminded that Malaysia is currently experiencing the dry Southwest Monsoon phase, and although generally dry, isolated thunderstorms may still occur, especially in northern Sarawak, thus increasing the fire risk.
Kueh also issued a stern warning to the public against open burning, particularly as Mukah currently records the highest Air Pollution Index (API) reading in the country.
Legal action, he said, will be taken against those who violate this directive.
In closing the meeting, he expressed his appreciation to all agencies involved, including elected representatives who have shown concern and provided direct support to fire control operations on the ground.
“The swift and coordinated efforts of all parties reflect a strong collective commitment to the safety and well-being of the people,” he added. — DayakDaily
