By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 13: The Chinese community observing the Hungry Ghost Festival, or Zhongyuan Jie, has been urged to postpone the burning of joss paper, incense and candles amid worsening haze and unhealthy air quality in Sarawak.
Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Sarawak Branch) president Dato Sri Richard Wee Liang Chiat noted that the weather had been extremely hot in recent days, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaching 200, a level considered very unhealthy.
Today marks the first day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar and the beginning of the Chinese community’s observance of the Hungry Ghost Festival, during which individuals traditionally make offerings to their ancestors and temples hold rituals and prayers.
Wee, who is also president of the Sarawak Federation of Temples Association, said the current air quality warranted a more cautious approach to festival practices.
He urged the public to reduce burning activities as much as possible and, where feasible, postpone the burning of joss paper, incense and candles until weather conditions improve.
“Given that the current air quality index has reached a very unhealthy level, I hope everyone will handle the burning of joss paper, incense and candles rationally and reduce such burning as much as possible,” he said in a statement today.
He said this would help minimise additional smoke and air pollution while allowing the community to continue observing the festival in a more environmentally responsible manner.
Wee also called on the government to immediately implement relief measures, including cloud seeding, as well as assess tap water quality to prevent further deterioration and potential adverse impacts.
“The public should also wear masks when going outdoors during the current period, while construction sites should temporarily stop burning waste and adopt alternative disposal methods.
“More importantly, people should drink plenty of water, and anyone who feels unwell should seek medical attention immediately, especially those with respiratory problems,” he said.
Wee said Malaysia encountered haze almost every year, stressing that uncontrolled forest fires not only polluted the air, damaged the atmosphere and harmed human health, but also destroyed natural ecosystems and killed wildlife.
“With the growing global awareness of green energy and environmental sustainability, people should always place greater emphasis on protecting the environment,” he said.
He noted that the current haze was linked to fires in West Kalimantan, with south-westerly monsoon winds carrying the smoke towards Sarawak.
“Although the current fires occurred in West Kalimantan and the south-westerly monsoon winds have caused the haze to affect us, we do not want to see lush forests reduced to wasteland and wildlife displaced,” he said.
Wee urged the government to immediately work with neighbouring countries to control the fires at an early stage and reduce air pollution.
At the same time, he called on the public to remain vigilant and take steps to prevent fires during the hot and dry weather.
“The highest priority must be placed on protecting lives and property,” he said. — DayakDaily
