By Shikin Louis
BAU, Aug 9: Residents in Bau have been urged to take precautions and reduce outdoor activities as haze from across the border affects the area, says Deputy Minister of Transport Sarawak (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.
Henry, who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman, stated that the haze was not a one-off occurrence and had affected the area almost every year, with air quality readings at times reaching unhealthy levels.
“This is not a one-off problem. It has been there almost every year. Nothing much we can do because this is coming from the other side,” he told reporters after a site visit to the Serikin Integrated Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) project today.
Henry said residents should exercise caution when engaging in outdoor activities, particularly when the air quality index reached high levels.
“The index will be very high, as far as 150, and then it’s not quite safe for us to do outside,” he said.
He advised residents to reduce outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality and urged those who are particularly sensitive to haze to take extra precautions.
“Those who have that sensitive kind of illness, you have to really take care of yourself,” he said.
Henry said the source of the haze was beyond Sarawak’s control as it was linked to activities on the Indonesian side of the border.
He nevertheless urged the local community to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions whenever haze conditions deteriorated.
The remarks were made during his visit to the Serikin ICQS project site, where he also said the border facility was progressing well and remained on track for completion in 2027. — DayakDaily
