By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 7: Haze conditions in Sarawak are expected to persist until Aug 8, with six hotspots detected across the State over the past three days, while 905 hotspots were recorded in Kalimantan, Indonesia, during the same period, according to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak.
NREB said the increase in hotspot activities outside Sarawak, coupled with the current Southwest Monsoon conditions, could contribute to transboundary haze and further deterioration of ambient air quality in the State in the coming days.
Citing the Malaysian Meteorological Department’s Haze Movement Report issued today, the agency said haze conditions were expected to continue until Aug 8, particularly in areas including Bau, Bintulu, Dalat, Daro, Kanowit, Kapit, Kuching, Lundu, Matu, Meradong, Miri, Mukah, Samarahan, Sarikei, Selangau, Sibu, Simunjan, Song and Tatau.
Based on the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) report for the period from Aug 1 to 6, a total of 18 hotspots were detected in Sarawak.
However, a significantly higher number of 1,756 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan, Indonesia, during the same period, with 905 hotspots recorded within the three-day period from Aug 4 to 6.
The latest ASMC report showed that only six hotspots were detected in Sarawak during the past three days.
NREB said air quality readings in Sarawak have shown an increasing trend since Aug 1, with three areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) levels as of 10am today.
The affected areas were Kuching with an API reading of 133, Samarahan at 135, and Tebedu at 121.
Meanwhile, 13 areas recorded moderate API levels ranging between 51 and 100, namely Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu, Samalaju, Lundu, Lubok Antu, Kapit, Miri, ILP Miri, Limbang and Lawas.
Only Bario recorded good air quality with an API reading below 50.
The agency said Sarawak is currently experiencing the Southwest Monsoon, which began on May 14 and is expected to continue until September. The monsoon brings consistent winds from the southwest, increasing the possibility of transboundary haze if biomass burning activities intensify outside Sarawak’s borders.
Members of the public have been advised to take precautions during the hot and dry weather, including drinking sufficient water, reducing outdoor activities and wearing face masks when carrying out outdoor activities, especially among high-risk groups.
NREB also reminded the public not to conduct open burning, particularly during the dry season, as such activities could worsen air pollution.
Those found guilty of committing open burning offences may face prosecution under Section 30(1)(a) and Section 30(2) of the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance (Cap. 84 – Laws of Sarawak, Ed. 1958). Convicted offenders may be fined up to RM100,000, imprisoned for up to five years, or both.
The public is also encouraged to help extinguish small fires and report cases of open burning to the nearest NREB office or the NREB Hotline at 082-447488 or 082-319500. NREB said confidentiality of reports is protected under Section 38 of the Whistleblower Protection provision under the same Ordinance. — DayakDaily
