Subang: The government has taken decisive action to combat the challenges posed by the ongoing hot and dry weather conditions brought on by the Southwest Monsoon. Approximately 3,300 tube wells have been activated in fire-prone areas as part of preparedness measures, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has been assigned the task of cleaning and reactivating these wells, with a focus on vulnerable regions such as peatlands and forest areas. These wells were established previously, and the fire department, in collaboration with district-level disaster committees, has initiated immediate operational actions during the Southwest Monsoon.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid highlighted the prolonged dry weather and rising temperatures expected to persist until mid-October, necessitating high preparedness levels from all relevant agencies. He emphasized the importance of maintaining optimal readiness, particularly in areas experiencing extreme heat, based on advice from NADMA and MetMalaysia.

In addition to these measures, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has issued public health advisories to minimize public exposure to extreme heat. Recommendations include rescheduling outdoor school activities to protect students from potential heat-related risks. Coordination with District Education Offices (PPD) is underway to rearrange outdoor learning activities.

Earlier in the day, Ahmad Zahid announced a successful cloud seeding operation by NADMA over Bukit Merah Dam in Perak. This operation, launched in response to critically low water levels due to prolonged dry weather, resulted in heavy rain just 45 minutes after commencement. The Bukit Merah Dam had reached a precarious state, with water levels dropping to 12.21 per cent or 19.8 feet in depth, impacting local communities and farmlands.