Jabu says contingency plans in place to cope with water shortage in coming months
Jabu (second left) shows the weather forecast map at the press conference. — Photo by Jeffery Mostapa
KUCHING: Less rainfall is expected in the next three months but the overall situation is not expected to be critical.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu said this was based on reports received from various agencies including Meteorological Services Department and other experts.
“Based on reports from experts there will be less rainfall in the next two or three months but the situation is not as critical as before and there is no cause for alarm as far as the water supply in Kuching is concerned.
“Contingency measures are also being taken by the various departments including water authorities at various divisions throughout the state to make sure there is adequate water supply,” he said.
The deputy chief minister said the main concern would be during the Hari Raya celebration which was about 10 days away and priority would be given to areas likely to face water shortage.
Jabu told reporters this during a press conference at the DUN complex here yesterday after chairing the State Disaster Relief Committee meeting on preparations to face the current drought.
He is also chairman of the committee.
“Our committee has directed that priority should be given to areas where there are likely to be shortage of water and actions to be taken if any.
“The Welfare Department will be supplying 10 boxes of water per family from four boxes previously to ensure there will be no water problem during the festive season,” he said.
He said in Kuching both Kuching Water Board (KWB) and Public Works Department (PWD) were not expected to face any problem in ensuring uninterrupted supply of water.
“In the worst case scenario if there is no rain in the next two weeks KWB will have to raise the weir from 1.5m to 2.5m to ensure sufficient water supply even if the current drought were to persist,” he said.
Jabu also said there was still no necessity for cloud seeding at the moment even though it had not rained in the past few days.
“Cloud seeding operation will only be carried out on the advice of experts,” he said.
On the open peat fire in Miri, Jabu said 80 per cent of the fire had been put out and thanked all the authorities concerned in helping to control the fire.
“In view of the current weather situation we are also looking at possible dangers should the drought continues while the Health Department has prepared plans to prevent disease outbreak.
“The services of RTM and Information Department will be used to issue daily statements if needed,” he said.
He said the operations room to monitor the weather pattern had been activated and that the normal opening hours from 8am to 5pm would be extended if necessary.