KUCHING: Divisional and district disaster management committees in Sarawak have been placed on alert in anticipation of a wider dry spell.
State Disaster Management Committee( SDMC) chairman Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, gave the order as the northern part of the state is experiencing high temperatures.
He said he had received reports that some settlements there were having water supply problems.
Uggah said the disaster management committees should be alert to such a situation and act accordingly.
"They have to assess the severity of the problem and to immediately render the necessary assistance, like providing water supply to affected areas."
Interruption of water supply is a serious matter, Uggah said.
The deputy premier also reminded state and federal agencies, like the Fire and Rescue, Public Works and Civil Defence Departments, and the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department, to work closely with the disaster management committees.
He also advised people in drought-hit areas to take precautions against heatstroke.
"Visit the nearest clinic for treatment if they encounter any medical problem due to the heat," he said.