{
  "id": 4550248,
  "title": "El Niño drought bites, Sarawak deploys 119 tankers to keep taps flowing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/el-nino-drought-bites-sarawak-deploys-119-tankers-to-keep-taps-flowing",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-31T02:33:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/31/el-nino-drought-bites-sarawak-deploys-119-tankers-to-keep-taps-flowing/233349"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUCHING, Aug 31 - As the prolonged dry spell in Sarawak continues into 2027 due to El Niño conditions, the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department and Sarawak Water are intensifying mitigation measures to ensure a continuous water supply. The state's minister, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, stated that while major water supply dams such as Bengoh, Gerugu, Assyakirin and Sika have normal water levels, areas reliant on small rivers are more susceptible to declining water levels. To cope with the situation, 119 water tankers have been deployed across Sarawak with centralized water collection centers established at potential hotspots. JBALB will continue to assess conditions on the ground and establish additional centers as needed. The ministry also plans to develop longer-term strategic measures, including the potential development of dams and water storage infrastructure to enhance water security and resilience against prolonged dry weather. Residents are urged to conserve water, report supply issues and support efforts to protect water sources. Consumers can reach JBALB and Sarawak Water for 24-hour assistance at the provided contact numbers.",
  "summary": "KUCHING, Aug 31 — The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, together with the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Depa...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "119 water tankers deployed across Sarawak amid prolonged dry spell",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/119-water-tankers-deployed-across-sarawak-amid-prolonged-dry-spell",
        "published": "2026-08-30T13:50:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "El Niño drought bites, Sarawak deploys 119 tankers to keep taps flowing",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/el-nino-drought-bites-sarawak-deploys-119-tankers-to-keep-taps-flowing-4551371",
        "published": "2026-08-31T02:33:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}