KUCHING: The people of Sarawak, especially those in Kuching, should be prepared for water rationing if the dry weather persisted.
In giving this advice, Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof said he had been informed by Kuching Water Board that if there were no rain in 10 days, Kuching would need water rationing.
Thus, Fadillah urged the people to use water wisely during this dry season.
“I was informed the water treatment plant is at a critical low level. If it continues to be dry,
we may need water rationing soon.
“The Meteorological Department will conduct cloud-seeding operations towards this weekend if it doesn’t rain by then.
“Therefore, I hope everyone will use water wisely, especially during this Hari Raya festive season, so that we don’t face the problem of water rationing,” he told reporters at his Aidilfitri Open House at Jalan Bakti yesterday.
On water woes in Saratok and Asajaya, Fadillah explained that the Public Works Department (JKR) was making plans to distribute water to the affected areas by lorries.
On forest fires, following the one that happened in Jambusan, near Bau, Fadillah said preventive measures were the most important, and this includes no open burning.
“There should be no open burning at all during this time because of the dry season. Not only will it cause haze but it will cause fires to spread rapidly.
“For those who smoke, make sure their cigarettes are properly put out and discarded so that they will not start a bush fire.
“If the public comes across any case, please contact Bomba immediately.”
During Fadillah’s Aidilfitri Open House, a `Majlis Tahlil’ was held for the victims of Malaysia Airlines flights MH17 and MH370.
“We don’t have a state-level Open House event because of respect for the victims, but we are allowed to hold our individual Open House events at our own areas. This is the time for us to get close to the community and foster closer ties with the people.
“This year we hold the `Majlis Tahlil’ as well as a `Doa Selamat’ for the victims of the plane tragedies, and also to pray for our country so that we will overcome the challenges that we are facing, including problems with the dry season.”
Present at his Open House were Infrastructure Development and Communications Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong, Welfare assistant minister Robert Lawson Chuat, Temenggong Lu Kim Yong, SUPP secretary-general Senator Prof Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian and Wanita SUPP chief Amy Tnay.