MUKAH: A total of 1,464 residents in Bukit Inkerbai and Lubok Bemban received clean water supply following a prolonged dry spell that has affected the district for the past three weeks.
The distribution operation, which began as early as 9am on Wednesday (Apr 1), saw 2,928 boxes of drinking water delivered to affected households.
Of the total, 1,320 boxes were distributed to 660 residents in Bukit Inkerbai, while 1,608 boxes were channelled to 804 residents in Lubok Bemban.
Tellian assemblyman Royston Valentine said the ongoing dry weather has heightened the risk of fire incidents, calling for increased vigilance among the public.
“Therefore, open burning must be avoided as the hot and dry conditions could cause fires to spread rapidly and endanger lives and property,” he said as reported by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
At the same time, Royston urged the public to prioritise their health, particularly in preventing dehydration and heatstroke.
He also called on communities to remain prepared and uphold a strong spirit of cooperation in navigating the challenges brought on by changing weather conditions.
“Residents are advised to consume boiled or treated water to avoid waterborne diseases, ensure sufficient fluid intake, and limit outdoor activities during extreme heat especially for children and the elderly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mukah District Officer and chairman of the District Disaster Management Committee (JPBD) Mukah Peleadzman Ahip said the drought was due to a lack of rainfall over the past three weeks.
He said the situation has affected water supply sources in several areas, including Bukit Inkerbai, Lubok Bemban, Nanga Sikat, Ulu Sebakong and Tanjung Pedada.
“This assistance involves 307 houses with 436 heads of households,” he said.
Among the worst-affected locations were Rumah Blansai Anak Suka in Lubok Bemban, with 174 residents, followed by Rumah Gurusin Michael Timbang in Nanga Taroh with 149 residents.
Peleadzman added that the assistance was approved promptly upon receiving requests from community leaders, with the cooperation of the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) to coordinate the delivery.
The operation was carried out in an integrated manner involving the Mukah District Office, Civil Defence Force (APM) Mukah, Mukah District Police Headquarters (IPD), and the Mukah Division Disaster Management Unit (PKMB).
Also present were Mukah Division Welfare Officer Dariel Thiong Yiew Seng and Mukah District Office officer Tracy Penggang.
