KUCHING, April 20: Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak reports that the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings recorded in Sarawak were in the good to moderate range from January to April 16, with no unhealthy readings recorded.
According to an NREB press release issued today, air quality is assessed using API readings which are determined by the concentration of fine dust (2.5 microns), which is the dominant pollutant most of the time, particularly during haze in Malaysia.
API readings ranging from 0 to 50 indicate good air quality, 51 to 100 indicate moderate air quality, 101 to 200 indicate unhealthy air quality, 201 to 300 indicate very unhealthy air quality, and 301 to 500 indicate hazardous air quality.
Meanwhile, NREB noted over the same period, the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) reported a total of 22 hotspots in Sarawak, with seven in January, one in February, four in March, and ten in April; and a total of 182 hotspots in Kalimantan, with 28 in January, 45 in February, 21 in March, and 88 in April.
“NREB has taken a number of measures, including field patrols, halting the issuance of permits, and issuing notices prohibiting burning to all project developers.
“They also run a burning ban awareness programme in collaboration with other agencies to ensure air quality is maintained.
“As a result, all relevant government agencies and the general public are encouraged to work together to address the cause and reduce the risk of haze,” it said in the press release.
It went on to say that Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) expects the Southwest Monsoon phase to influence the country’s weather conditions in May 2023.
“The occurrence of thunderstorms and heavy rains is expected to decrease during the Southwest Monsoon period, which typically runs from mid-May to September, and most states will have a greater number of days without rain.
“In May, most areas in Sarawak, particularly Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, and Sibu, are expected to receive below-average rainfall of 150mm to 200mm, while other areas are expected to receive average rainfall of 200mm to 400mm,” NREB stated.
NREB also advised the general public to take precautions when facing hot and dry weather, such as drinking plenty of water, limiting outdoor activities, and wearing a face mask (N95 respirator) for those who do outdoor activities, particularly those in high-risk groups.
Furthermore, NREB warned the general public not to engage in open burning activities that could result in air pollution and haze, particularly during the warmer months.
“Those convicted of open burning can be prosecuted under the provisions of Section 30(1)(a) and Section 30(2) of the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance (Amendment 2019).
“If found guilty, offenders may be fined up to RM100,000, or imprisoned for up to five years, or both,” NREB highlighted.
The public is also asked to help put out small fires and report cases of open burning to the nearest NREB office or send a WhatsApp message to the NREB Hotline on 013-7595866, or call 082-319543. The confidentiality of the report is guaranteed by Section 38 of the Ordinance under Protection of Whistle-blowers. — DayakDaily
