KUCHING, April 20: Sarawak registered 23 hotspots with moderate level Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.
Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said government agencies such as Department of Environment, Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Civil Defense Force (APM), Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak (NREB), Sarawak Health Department, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), and the Divisional Resident’s Office have give assurance of their preparedness to manage the impact of the current hot and dry weather in Sarawak.
“This includes the personnel involved, the assets and equipment required, as well as close monitoring through patrols, the use of drones and observation towers,” it said in a statement today.
According to SDMC, among measures that have been taken by the relevant government agencies to prevent open burning are to postpone the granting of fire permits, issue compound and warning notices to parties involved in open burning, and ensure equipment to prevent open fires including tube wells and check dams are in good condition.
It also called for members of the public to cooperate by not conducting any open burning activities especially in residential and peat land areas.
“The public is advised to take care of their health including by reducing outdoor activities, drinking a lot of water, using facemask for those at high risk, and consulting the nearest health clinic if their condition gets worse.
“The committee through relevant government agencies will continue to monitor the situation during this hot weather and hazy condition and will take appropriate action to ensure the safety and health of Sarawakians,” SDMC said. — DayakDaily
