Jaythaleela K
MIRI,Aug 18: Sarawak Fire and Rescue department (Bomba) director Khirudin Drahman has announced that Bombardier C415 will be dispatched to Sri Aman once it accomplishes its mission in Miri.
Speaking to local media after Bomba Miri 5th Run this morning at Marina Bay, Khirudin said the mission of Bombardier C415 in Sri Aman will be similar to what it has been doing in Miri.
Miri’s air pollutant index (API) has shown a great improvement following a three-day mission conducted by Bombardier C415, while API in Sri Aman showed a worsening air quality.
As of 6pm, API of censor station at Industrial Training Institute (ILP) Miri showed an API reading of 158 (moderately unhealthy) while in Sri Aman, the API readings have been high throughout the whole day and as of 6pm, it was 250 (very unhealthy).
“We want to ensure a total knock-out operation. Currently, our Bomba teams are on the ground, dousing fire at affected areas to ensure the fires will not be re-ignited again.”
He said for Miri, Bomba will continue their routine, using helicopter to do water bombing while the ground teams continue to put out fires in affected areas.
Meanwhile, at the run, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin who flagged off the event at 6.30am announced a grant of RM5,000 to Bomba, the event organiser.
Lee lauded Bomba’s cooperation with other agencies and community in battling peat fires near ILP Miri.
Also present were Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, Telang Usan Assemblyman Dennis Ngau, Pujut Assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon, Miri Mayor Adam Yii and Miri Bomba chief Supt Law Poh Kiong.
A total 2,200 runners took part in the annual run event covering 12km of distance. — DayakDaily
