KUCHING, Sept 8: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) helicopter based in Miri is unable to take off due to the poor visibility caused by the hazy weather.
In a statement, senior Bomba officer and Air Detachment Chief Roslan Aziz said all requests for the Bomba helicopter has been taken note of but the helicopter is unable to take off as visibility has been poor due to the haze affecting Miri air space.
“According to flight procedure, there is a flight visibility requirement for us to adhere to and based on the current haze condition, the helicopter service is not permissible.
“With the helicopter op postponed (until the weather permits), the Bomba Air Division Unit based in Miri is unable to fly this morning to do aerial monitoring and forest fire operation despite the requests from our counterparts in Kuching,” Roslan explained.
He hoped the public and Bomba teams in other parts of Sarawak understand their dilemma.
“Until the haze condition improves, we will remain on the ground,” said Roslan.
Roslan said they are still waiting for the Meteorological Department and Air Tower in Miri to give them the clearance before they could depart for Kuching. — DayakDaily
