Malaysia: Water supplies dwindling in parts of S'wak as drought sets in

Stephen Then The Star 16 Aug 19;

MIRI: Water supplies in five districts in Sarawak have dwindled to critically-low levels.

The drought is starting in various locations in the state, even as battles to tackle forest fires continue.

Details from the state Disaster Relief Management Committee show that the Sri Aman Division in southern Sarawak is facing water shortages already.

Five districts are being affected with water treatment plants facing critically-low water levels.

They are Bayai, Pantu, Seduku, Stumbin and Lingga, said the Sri Aman District Office disaster relief management committee.

"We are trying to find alternative sources of water for these treatment plants that are running out of water due to lack of rain caused by the ongoing drought.

"A proposal has been made to get bottled water started for the people in the affected districts, " the committee said in a press update.

Over in Miri, the fight against forest fires is seeing results.

The use of Bombardier aircraft to dump sea- and river-water over hotspots in Kuala Baram had seen success in reducing the smog and haze.

As of 10am Friday (Aug 16), the Air Pollutant Index in Kuala Baram and Miri districts showed moderate levels.

Miri Fire and Rescue Department chief Supt Law Poh Kiong said big mining pumps are being used also to flood the areas where there are still forest-fires.

"Flooding the land on the ground and the aerial water-bombing sorties are bringing good results so far, " he said.

The Bombardier aircraft is on loan from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.