By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 30: Sarawak’s worsening haze situation is expected to persist in the coming days as nearly 13,000 hotspots in Kalimantan continue to generate smoke plumes drifting across the border into the State.
In a statement, the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak said 12,888 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan, Indonesia, from Aug 1 to 29, compared with 185 hotspots recorded in Sarawak during the same period.
Satellite monitoring by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) also detected moderate to dense smoke plumes from West Kalimantan moving northwards into Sarawak.
NREB said hotspot and hazy conditions were expected to remain high in fire-prone areas amid prolonged dry weather, potentially increasing the risk of more severe transboundary haze in Sarawak.
NREB said dry conditions were expected to continue across most of the Southern ASEAN region, while the El Niño phenomenon, which is predicted to strengthen in the coming months, could further worsen hotspot and haze conditions and increase the risk of transboundary haze.
The public has been advised to reduce strenuous outdoor activities, drink sufficient water and wear face masks when outdoors, particularly those in high-risk groups.
NREB also reminded the public not to engage in open burning, warning that such activities could further worsen air pollution during the current hot and dry spell.
Those convicted of open burning offences can face a fine of up to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
The public is also urged to help put out small fires and report open burning cases to the nearest NREB office or its hotline at 082-447488 or 082-319500.
NREB said it would continue monitoring air quality and advised the public to refer to its official channels and the Department of Environment’s Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) for the latest API readings.
As of 1pm today, three areas in Sarawak recorded hazardous API readings, with Serian at 420 and Samarahan and Kuching at 337 and 308, respectively. — DayakDaily
