SPAOH: Community Leaders and Village Chiefs (KMKK) in the Bukit Saban area have been urged to be more proactive in dealing with the issue of worsening water supply shortages following the current drought.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said close cooperation between the KMKK and government agencies is very important to ensure that immediate action can be taken, especially in channeling aid to the affected groups.

The Bukit Saban Assemblyman explained that the meeting session with KMKK was held to get direct feedback regarding the water supply situation in their respective areas.

"The purpose of this session is for us to jointly organise actions to deal with the water issue due to the drought, in addition to ensuring that responsible agencies act immediately when they receive requests for assistance," he said.

He said this while attending a meeting session with KMKK Bukit Saban at the Bukit Saban Elderly Activity Centre (PAWE), on Wednesday.

In the meantime, he said that the affected residents could apply for clean bottled water assistance through the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) according to the designated channel.

Meanwhile, Betong Member of Parliament Dato Dr Richard Rapu also reminded all parties to always be prepared to face the possibility of a prolonged drought that could affect the water supply of the local community.

According to him, complete and accurate information from the KMKK is crucial to facilitate aid planning, including determining the strategic location of water barrels and the number of affected families.

He added that the role of the Tuai Rumah is also significant in ensuring that aid applications are submitted promptly in order to safeguard the welfare and well-being of local residents.

Also present were Betong Division Water Engineer Andres Inchatekoster, Betong Division Social Welfare Officer, Abg. Abdul Rahman, representative of Betong District Officer Kato Dorsie and the Bukit Saban area KMKK. -UKASnews