On full alert to face hot, dry spell

All disaster management committees in Sarawak told to keep close watch, extend help to those affected

KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah has instructed all divisional and district disaster management commi ees in Sarawak to be on full alert in view of the current hot and dry weather situation, especially in the northern part of the state.

The State Disaster Management Commi ee (SDMC) chairman said the current weather situation has resulted in some areas, namely se lements, experiencing water supply problems.

“In this regard, all the Divisional Disaster Management Commi ees (DDMCs) are required to be fully aware and to treat the situation seriously.

“They are instructed to assess the severity of the problem in their respective divisions and to render immediately the necessary assistance, like in providing water supply to affected se lements,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Uggah also reminded all relevant agencies, especially the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Civil Defence Force (APM), Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) and the Public Works Department (JKR) to work closely with their respective DDMCs when addressing problems related to the hot and dry weather.

“In addition, the public are advised to take the necessary precautions. Do not hesitate to visit the nearest clinic for treatment if they encounter any medical problems due to the situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) Sarawak director Khairul Najib Ibrahim told The Borneo Post when contacted that the current hot and dry spell is due to the El Nino phenomenon.

He said most parts of Peninsular Malaysia and

They are instructed to assess the severity of the problem in their respective divisions and to render immediately the necessary assistance, like in providing water supply to affected se lements.

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas

Sabah will experience average temperature of 35 degrees Celsius for the next seven days.

“However, thunderstorms with heavy rain and wind may happen in Sarawak and also the western part of Peninsular Malaysia in the late evening or early at night during the same period,” he said.

On Wednesday, MetMalaysia deputy director-general (Operations) Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip also a ributed the current hot spell in the country to the El Nino phenomenon, as well as low humidity and global warming.

“The dry air is due to the end of the Northeast Monsoon phase, during which our weather conditions change. Moist weather systems are to the south of our country such as in Indonesia, while our country is relatively dry, resulting in less rainfall and hot weather,” he said.

Mohd Hisham also said the hot weather in Malaysia is expected to end in May but could continue until June.