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KUCHING, Aug 17: The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) detected a total of 77 fire hotspots in Sarawak between Aug 1 and Aug 15, with the highest number of 36 recorded on Aug 1.
According to a press release issued today by the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (Meesty), its minister Dr Hazland Abang Hipni stated that ASMC also reported a total of 195 hotspots in Sarawak and 2,820 in Kalimantan, Indonesia, from January to July.
“Between Aug 1 and Aug 15, 2,153 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan, with the highest number occurring on Aug 5 when 376 were recorded.
“From Aug 13 to Aug 15, no hotspots were detected in Sarawak, whereas Kalimantan reported 424,” he said in the press release.
He went on to say that the air pollutant index (API) in Sarawak was in the good to moderate range from January until 8am Wednesday (Aug 16), with no unhealthy readings recorded.
“According to the weather forecast issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department on July 26, the country is currently in the southwest monsoon phase, which began on May 15 and is expected to end in mid-September,” he explained, adding that during this phase, winds with lower air humidity consistently blow from the southwest, resulting in a lack of rain cloud formation.
Dr Hazland pointed out that ASMC forecasts dry weather conditions will persist in nearby regions such as southern and central Kalimantan, leading to an increased risk of hotspots and haze in fire-prone areas.
“The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) has activated the haze operations room, ceased issuing permits for controlled open burning, and revoked previously issued permits for this purpose.
“In order to maintain air quality, NREB has also issued a notice prohibiting open burning to all project developers and conducted an awareness programme with other agencies.
“In addition, NREB and the Department of Environment are conducting a field patrol programme to ensure that no open burning is occurring.”
He underlined that those found to be carrying out open burning can be charged under Sections 30(1)(a) and 30(2) of the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance which provide for a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to five years or both, upon conviction.
“During periods of hot and dry weather, the public is also advised to take certain precautions, such as drinking enough water, reducing outdoor activities, and wearing face masks for those who engage in outdoor activities, particularly those in high-risk groups.
“The general public is also urged to assist in extinguishing small fires and to report instances of open burning to the NREB Office at 082-319543 or other NREB offices in the area. Under Section 38 of the same ordinance, Protection of Whistleblowers, the confidentiality of the report is also guaranteed,” he added.
On Aug 15, it was reported that the skyline of Kuching City was obscured by haze despite moderate air quality readings, with Serian recording the highest level at 89 points, Kuching at 87 points, and Sri Aman at 83 points.
The range of 51 to 100 indicates moderate air quality, generally considered safe for the majority of people, although individuals in highly sensitive groups might experience some impact.
Malaysia employs a five-category Air Pollutant Index (API) to categorise air quality. Hazardous levels are readings above 300, while 201 to 300 is considered very unhealthy; 101-200 is unhealthy; 51-100 is moderate and readings below 50 are considered good. — DayakDaily
