By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 4: With the heat and haze tightening their grip on Sarawak, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is keeping a closer watch on nine high-risk forest areas to guard against potential forest fires.
SFC general manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran said monitoring had been intensified, particularly in peat forest areas and locations close to human activities.
“We conduct monitoring, particularly in peat forest areas and areas close to human activities. Field patrols are also carried out, while hotspot information and technology are used to detect early signs of fire,” he told Bernama.
The nine areas under close monitoring are Sibuti Wildlife Sanctuary, Piasau Nature Reserve, Lambir National Park, Niah National Park and Mulu National Park in Miri; Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, Bako National Park and Kuching Wetland National Park in Kuching; and Bukit Lima Nature Reserve in Sibu.
Abang Arabi said SFC was focusing more on Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) previously affected by forest fires.
He said the corporation was also prepared to respond to wildlife injuries caused by forest fires, as well as health problems linked to exposure to heavy smoke and haze.
The preparations include emergency equipment and trained personnel, including SFC veterinary officers, being placed on standby to enable immediate action during emergencies.
“Working with private veterinary centres and the Department of Veterinary Services is also part of our strategy to address wildlife health issues,” he said.
Abang Arabi said climate change, which contributes to hotter and drier conditions, required SFC to take a more systematic approach to preparedness.
He said SFC regularly assessed the situation and updated its existing guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Our goal is not only to respond to fires, but more importantly, to prevent them, detect them early and protect forests and wildlife before the situation worsens,” he said.
Transboundary haze has continued to affect Sarawak since early August, with Serian’s Air Pollutant Index (API) reaching a hazardous 518 as of 10am today, according to the Department of Environment (DOE)’s Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal.
Kuching recorded the second-highest API reading at 310, while Samarahan and Sri Aman recorded 281 and 245, respectively. — Bernama
