MIRI: The Sarawak government is prepared to assist agencies under the Miri Division Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) in acquiring the necessary assets to strengthen preparedness in facing the impact of the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to bring hot and dry weather from June to August.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has expressed support, including the provision of funding for the purpose.
“We will review the cost of procurement, including maintenance aspects, to ensure smooth and effective operations on a continuous basis,” he said in an UKAS report when chairing the Miri DDMC meeting held recently.
Earlier, Uggah, who is also the chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), was briefed by relevant agencies on the current situation and preparedness measures to address the impact of El Niño, including the risk of open burning and water resource management in affected areas.
During the briefing, a representative from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) said that additional assets are required, including fire hoses and water carriers, to enhance operational capacity, particularly during large-scale fires.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) reported that the monsoon transition phase is expected to continue until May, with hotter weather and reduced rainfall becoming more pronounced from June to August.
