KUCHING: All divisional and district disaster management committees in Sarawak are now on alert for the current hot and dry season.
Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas said Sarawak usually faced the twin challenges of forest fires and water shortage during dry weather.
"In recent days there were fires in eight areas in Sarawak, including Mukah, Betong, Sarikei, Miri and Lawas.
"The fires have been put out thanks to the combined efforts of all parties, but this is a warning to all Sarawakians now that the hot and dry season is starting," he told a press conference here on Thursday (April 2).
Uggah said disaster management committees across the state had been directed to monitor the situation and take prompt action, especially in fire-prone peat soil areas.
He also urged the public to refrain from open burning during the dry season.
"The Environment Department and Natural Resources Environment Board will issue notices on open burning and take action.
"They are also monitoring hotspots," he said.
In addition, Uggah said the disaster management committees would work with the Rural Water Supply Department and Welfare Department to monitor any water shortage occurrence.
"Action should be taken as quickly as possible if any area faces a water shortage," he said.
