SDMC to coordinate with EC on monsoon weather preparations for Sarawak election

Uggah addressing a press conference after the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Supreme Council meeting at the party's headquarters on Nov 4, 2026.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Nov 4: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will coordinate with the Election Commission (EC) on weather conditions ahead of the coming 13th Sarawak Election, particularly to ensure adequate preparations for remote areas that may require helicopter services.

SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the committee would arrange for the Sarawak Meteorological Department to brief the EC on the latest weather forecasts once the election dates are determined.

He said this was important as the state was currently experiencing the northeast monsoon season, which is expected to continue until March next year.

“We do not know when the election will be held. The EC will determine that. However, we have been informed that the monsoon has started and will continue until March next year.

“We will therefore provide the EC with the latest weather reports,” he told reporters after the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Supreme Council meeting at the party’s headquarters today.

Uggah, who is also GPS director of operations for the coming Sarawak election, said SDMC would write to the EC and arrange for the Meteorological Department to provide a briefing once the nomination and polling dates were known.

He highlighted the importance of having updated weather information, especially for remote locations where helicopters might be needed to transport election personnel and facilitate election operations.

“In some areas which are more remote, they may have to use helicopters, so they have to know the weather situation in these places,” he said.

Uggah stressed that decisions on key election dates, including nomination and polling days, rested entirely with the EC.

He said SDMC would continue monitoring the weather situation and work with the relevant authorities to ensure the necessary preparations were in place.

“Let us pray that everything goes well,” he added. — DayakDaily