KUCHING: Incidents of open burning reported in several areas across Sarawak are currently under control and have not affected the state’s air quality index.
Environmental Quality Controller of the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Datu Jack Liam, said continuous monitoring is being carried out following several fire cases detected over the past week.
According to him, the areas involved include Kuala Tatau, Sibu and Penasu.
The fire in Sibu has been fully extinguished following rainfall, while firefighting operations are still actively underway in Penasu.
“So far, the situation remains under control and has not resulted in haze in Sarawak,” he said.
He said this when met by the media at the Forestry Department’s Hari Raya gathering at Wisma Sabati here on Tuesday, which was also attended by Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He added that Sarawak is currently in the inter-monsoon phase, which is still bringing rainfall and in turn helping to reduce the risk of fire spreading and haze formation.
Meanwhile, investigations by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) are underway to identify the cause of the incidents and the parties involved.
“If any parties are found to be responsible, strict action will be taken under the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance 1958,” he said.
He also informed that the fires are believed to have been caused by human activities, including the possibility of involvement by smallholders, although the matter is still under investigation.
In this regard, he stressed the importance of complying with regulations to prevent open burning incidents that could affect the environment and public health.
NREB will continue to strengthen monitoring and enforcement to ensure such incidents can be effectively controlled. -UKASnews
