KUCHING: Sarawak has stepped up its preparedness measures amid hot and dry weather conditions that are expected to increase the risk of haze and peatland fires across the state.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said all Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) divisions and district-level committees had been placed on alert following an increase in hotspot detections.
He said the state government would continue monitoring the Air Pollutant Index (API) and activate existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) should air quality reach unhealthy levels.
“There are several areas categorised as fire-prone, particularly Kuala Baram. Since fires occur frequently there, we need to remain vigilant at all times.
“We are not only carrying out comprehensive monitoring, but also ensuring all infrastructure in these areas is in the best condition.
“In Kuala Baram, for example, we have tube wells, check dams and watchtowers,” he said during a press conference on the cloud seeding operation at the Kuching Air Base today (June 19), as reported by TVS.
Uggah, who is the SDMC Chairman, said the tube well system developed in peatland areas had proven effective as it draws water from underground sources that remain available even during prolonged dry spells.
He said this enables authorities to carry out rewetting operations to prevent fires from spreading further.
To strengthen early detection efforts, the Department of Environment (DOE) and Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) have also been directed to deploy drones to monitor high-risk peatland areas.
Uggah said immediate action upon detecting smoke is crucial to prevent fires from spreading to larger areas.
He added that teams led by the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) remained on standby to respond to any fire incidents.
He also urged the public to refrain from open burning during the current hot and dry period.
“I would like to advise the public not to carry out any open burning. Avoid it completely and if you see any area beginning to catch fire, report it immediately to the authorities so prompt action can be taken,” he said.
