SEMATAN – Emergency responders in the district have successfully eliminated a potentially dangerous insect nest discovered in close proximity to essential local infrastructure.
The operation was launched after the Sematan District Operations Control Centre (PKOD) received an urgent distress call from a member of the public regarding a massive hornet or wasp nest found on a tree.
The tree in question directly faces the Telok Melano Water Treatment Plant, raising immediate safety concerns for workers and residents in the vicinity.
Recognising the potential risk to public health and the smooth operation of the water treatment facility, the complainant requested immediate intervention from the Civil Defence Force (APM).
In response, a specialised team from APM Sematan was deployed to the site to assess the situation and neutralise the threat.
Equipped with protective gear and specialised eradication tools, the APM personnel executed the destruction of the nest swiftly to prevent any stinging incidents.
Such interventions are standard procedure for the department, which regularly deals with wildlife and insect encounters that pose a hazard to residential areas and public utilities.
The Telok Melano area, situated near the tip of western Sarawak, is known for its rich biodiversity, which frequently brings local communities into contact with various wildlife species.
APM officials noted that nesting near critical infrastructure like water treatment plants requires rapid removal to ensure that maintenance staff can perform their duties without the threat of swarm attacks.
Following the successful operation, the APM Lundu Sematan Public Relations and Documentation Unit reiterated their commitment to community safety, highlighting their operational motto: “Ready, fast & with integrity.”
The department also reminded the public to remain vigilant and avoid attempting to remove large insect nests independently, as certain species can become highly aggressive when disturbed.
Residents facing similar emergencies or encountering hazardous wildlife are urged to contact the dedicated emergency hotline at 082711292 for immediate professional assistance.
