KUCHING: The Sarawak government is still awaiting expert advice before taking any action regarding the statement from the Meteorological Department (MET) Sarawak that volcanic ash from Mount Ruang’s eruption in North Sulawesi may reach the airspace of the state.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg stated that this possibility might occur as the ash plume could be carried by the wind to other areas, but the state government is still awaiting advice from experts.
"I cannot comment on the matter until it happens, then only we will know.
"This might happen because the wind will carry the ash plume, but let's see how it goes and wait for advice from the experts," he said.
He made these remarks when approached by the media during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House of the Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi here, on Thursday.
Furthermore, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari clarified that the ash plume is unlikely to reach Kuching but may reach northern Sarawak such as Limbang up to Bintulu because Sulawesi is situated to the north.
"That's why Sabah is currently affected by the wind-blow. We in the south might not be affected, maybe the north, but I think by then the impact might be less.
"Actually, what we are concerned about is because it emits particles, that's why airplanes cannot fly because of these tiny debris. Let's see what the scientists say," he said.
Earlier, MET Sarawak when contacted by the local media stated that there is a possibility that the volcanic ash from Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi might reach a small part of Sarawak's airspace based on wind direction forecast. -UKASnews
