Lok Sabha: KPKT is studying the need to build a bomb shelter on Bruit Island

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 Oct: Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) will conduct a study to assess the need for construction of small pump halls in Bruit Island, Daro, Sarawak.

According to Nga Kor Ming, the study will take into account the fire risk index to determine the needs of the facility in the affected area.

"After that, if there is a need, we will present the proposal in the near future", he said in the Lok Sabha.

He answered Yusuf Abd Wahab (GPS-Tanjong Manis)'s question about whether KPKT plans to build a bomb shelter on Bruit Island following the recent fires, as well as taking into account similar incidents reported almost every year in the area.

According to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) records, three major wildfires occurred around Pulau Bruit between 10 August and 13 September 2026, affecting a total area of about 42 hectares.

The incident involved the area of 29 hectares of Jalan Tanjung Gelang and Kampung Kut, eight hectares of Kampung Kut and five hectares of road to Kampung Penuai.

Reviewing the fire response on Bruit Island, Kor Ming said that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Natural Sustainability (NRES) through the Department of Environment (JAS) carried out early monitoring and detection using satellite data as well as information from ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) to identify hot spots or potential location for fire.

"The hot spots detected were subsequently verified and monitored in the field, especially in agricultural areas, suburbs and areas with a history of fires", he said.

He said the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) is also carrying out patrols and monitoring of open combustion activities with relevant agencies.

"For the fires that have spread to rural areas and populated crops, extinguishing and fire control measures are being implemented to ensure that the fires can be controlled and do not continue to spread to rural areas and populated farms", he said.

He said legal action could be imposed against individuals who committed, caused or authorized open arson without written permission. - TVS