KUCHING: Sarawak is taking steps to face the current hot and dry conditions, including tackling forest fires and water problems in parts of the state, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
The Deputy Premier said the relevant agencies have been making preparations and monitoring the situation.
"In the past few days, several fires have occurred in Kuala Baram, Mukah, Marudi and Kota Samarahan.
"We were briefed that all the fires are under control. However, we must be prepared to ensure minimal impact from the situation," he told a press conference after chairing a state disaster management committee meeting here on Thursday (July 31).
Uggah said tube wells in Kuala Baram had undergone maintenance checks for use in firefighting efforts.
He also said the state Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) had been directed to fly its drones to detect any occurrence of fire.
"From previous experience, if we can detect smoke early and take action to extinguish it, the fire will not spread further.
"Most of these fires occur in peat soil, which is very combustible when it is dry," he said.
Uggah reiterated that open burning was prohibited during the current hot and dry spell.
He said permits for open burning issued to plantation companies by NREB were withdrawn two weeks ago.
"Our advice to all plantation operators is to cease any open burning. Landowners are also advised to be vigilant to ensure there is no fire.
"For the public, we appeal to them not to do any open burning and to report any hotspots to NREB immediately," he said.
Uggah also said Sarawak would consider cloud seeding if necessary.
"We will look at all the options that we can take. For cloud seeding, there must be clouds with moisture that can be seeded," he said.
In addition, Uggah said the state Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) was monitoring the water levels at treatment plants, with only the Gelugus plant in Lawas running low.
"At the moment, our water reserves are still sufficient. Nevertheless, we have received 675 requests for drinking water throughout Sarawak involving 15,000 families, with the most coming from Miri," he said.
He added that JBALB had 12 tankers on standby across the state to supply water where needed.
