By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 27: Sarawak is likely to experience haze over the coming days if biomass burning intensifies beyond its borders, with 1,081 hotspots detected in Kalimantan as the prevailing Southwest Monsoon raises the risk of transboundary haze and deteriorating air quality.
Citing data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) report covering July 1-26, 2026, the Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak (NREB) said 442 of the 1,081 hotspots were recorded over the past five days, while 16 were detected in Sarawak.
“As the country is currently in the Southwest Monsoon season, which began on May 14, 2026, and is expected to end in September 2026, the region will continue to experience prevailing south-westerly winds.
“These conditions may lead to transboundary haze and a deterioration in ambient air quality in Sarawak. The State is likely to continue experiencing haze over the coming days if biomass burning outside Sarawak’s borders intensifies,” it said in a statement.
The board emphasised that it has taken various measures, including activating its haze operations room, conducting field patrols, revoking previously issued controlled burning permits, suspending the issuance of new controlled burning permits, issuing open burning prohibition notices to all project developers, and carrying out public awareness programmes on the ban on open burning in collaboration with other agencies to help safeguard air quality.
It also advised the public to take appropriate precautions during periods of hot and dry weather, including drinking sufficient water, reducing outdoor activities, and wearing N95 face masks when outdoors, particularly those in high-risk groups.
“NREB also reminds the public not to engage in open burning activities that may cause air pollution, especially during the dry season.
“Those found guilty of open burning may be prosecuted under Sections 30(1)(a) and 30(2) of the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance (Cap. 84 – Laws of Sarawak, 1958 Edition). Upon conviction, offenders may face a fine of up to RM100,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both,” it said.
Members of the public are 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.
The confidentiality of whistleblowers is guaranteed under Section 38 (Whistleblower Protection) of the same Ordinance.
This followed a report that the station in Serian recorded an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 151 today. — DayakDaily
