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.

       Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Hamdan Wahid said so far, the manpower in Sarawak to deal with fires due to the 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 have existing personnel, but if there is an urgent need, we will make plans to send aid from the nearest areas, namely Sabah and Labuan or the peninsula, if necessary," he told reporters after the launch of the southwest monsoon preparedness council.

       Mohammad Hamdan said from May to September, Malaysia is expected to face drought and dry weather that would lead to water crises and fires. This would contribute to haze and fire incidents involving forests, bushes, landfills, and peatlands.

       According to the Sarawak JBPM statistics, a total of 1,344 firemen were deployed in seven state zones - namely 287 in Kuching, 127 in Bintulu, Miri (186), Sibu (389), Sri Aman (113), Samarahan (178) and Limbang (64) in preparation for the hot weather, heat wave and drought. - Bernama