KOTA SAMARAHAN – Several areas in Sibu, Mukah, Sri Aman, and remote areas in Kuching have been identified as hotspots for forest and peat fires which are expected to occur due to extreme heat following the transition of the southwest monsoon from May to October.
Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department Director-General Datuk Seri Mohammad Hamdan Wahid said so far, the manpower in Sarawak to deal with fires due to hot weather and drought was sufficient.
“In Sarawak, we have identified several hotspots such as in Sibu, Mukah, Sri Aman, and some remote places in Kuching so we have provided the front line with assets, one of which is forest and peat fire extinguishing equipment.
“We are using existing personnel, but if there is an urgent need, we will make plans to send aid from the nearest states, namely Sabah and Labuan or the peninsula, if necessary,” he told reporters after the launch of the Southwest Monsoon Preparedness Council today.
Hamdan said from May to September, Malaysia is expected to face drought and dry weather leading to water crises and fires that contribute to haze, and fire incidents involving forests, bushes, landfills, and peatlands.
According to Sarawak Fire Department statistics, a total of 1,344 firemen are deployed in seven state zones, namely 287 in Kuching, 127 in Bintulu, 186 in Miri, 389 in Sibu, 113 in Sri Aman, 178 in Samarahan, and 64 in Limbang in preparation for hot weather, heat waves, and drought. – Bernama, June 3, 2022
