MULU: More than 900 cartons of bottled water were airlifted to drought-affected communities in Mulu and Baram, over a three-day operation that began on Aug 6.
Marudi District Welfare officer-in-charge Aziana Lasa said the operation was an immediate measure to ensure affected communities had enough clean water during the dry spell.
“I hope the assistance would ease the burden on residents until weather conditions improved and natural water sources were restored,” she said.
The delivery, coordinated by the Marudi District Welfare Office with the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), targeted five key locations — Kampung Batu Bungan, Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Batu Bungan, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) quarters at Mulu Airport, Mulu National Park Health Clinic and the Mulu Police Post.
Kampung Batu Bungan received the largest share with 700 cartons for 350 residents from 87 households, while SK Batu Bungan received 190 cartons for its 95 pupils and staff.
The remaining locations were supplied based on their population and needs.
Due to shallow river conditions caused by the drought, boats could not access the area.
Bomba helicopters were used as the only alternative to the 13-hour river journey from Marudi town.
