KUALA LUMPUR: A Parti Warisan politician has urged the Defence Ministry to extend assistance to help people affected by the water crisis and El Nino situation in Sabah.
Kota Belud member of parliament Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis said she met and submitted a proposal with four suggestions to the Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari here.
"Among the four suggestions are the usage of army assets such as lorries to deliver water to areas inaccessible by Sabah Water department and to drill tubewells.
"One of the concerns by Wanita Warisan is that El Nino will dry up the gravity water in the interior of Sabah.
"Apart from that, the bush and forest fires are worsening which might also burn the pipe connection thus cutting off water supply," said Isnaraissah, who is also Warisan Wirawati chief, in a statement.
Yesterday, Papar activated its disaster operation centre here following a severe water supply issue.
This morning, the air pollutant index for Kimanis has been declared as unhealthy following rampant bush, forest, farm and plantation fires.
As of yesterday, more than 900 fires have been recorded statewide since Jan 1 this year.
Tuaran member of parliament Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau had also urged the Tuaran district officer to do the same last week as thousands are affected by water woes.
The Meteorological department had said that the dry spell might continue until mid of the month.