KUCHING: The Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will coordinate weather forecast information with the Election Commission (EC) to facilitate preparations for the 13th Sarawak State Election (PRN13) which is expected to take place during the Northeast Monsoon season.

SDMC Chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the coordination would involve the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), which would brief the EC on weather forecasts and prevailing conditions throughout Sarawak.

"SDMC is closely monitoring the situation, and we will hold discussions with the EC. The Meteorological Department will brief the EC on the forecast weather conditions in Sarawak," he said.

He told reporters after attending the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB) Supreme Council meeting at the party's headquarters on Wednesday.

According to the Sarawak Deputy Premier, the briefing will be conducted once the EC has determined the key election dates, including nomination and polling days.

He said weather information is particularly important for rural and remote areas where helicopters are required for election operations, as flight operations depend on local weather conditions.

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah explained that the Northeast Monsoon has begun and is expected to continue until March next year, requiring close monitoring and coordination to ensure smooth election operations.

As such, SDMC will ensure the latest weather forecast information is relayed to the EC to serve as a guide for planning election operations, especially in areas at risk of being affected by adverse weather.

However, he emphasised that the authority to determine election dates remains solely with the EC. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Ezzah Syafiqah
Photo: George S. Embie
Translator: Nerissa Sia