KUCHING: The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) detected a total of 77 fire hotspots in Sarawak between Aug 1 and 15, with the highest number at 36 recorded on Aug 1.
State Deputy Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the Singapore-based ASMC also reported a total of 195 hotspots detected in Sarawak and 2,820 in Kalimantan, Indonesia, from January to July.
"In Kalimantan, 2,153 were detected (in the first half of August) and the highest number was on Aug 5 with 376 hotspots recorded.
"From Aug 13 to 15, no hotspots were detected in Sarawak, while 424 were reported in Kalimantan,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Aug 17).
ALSO READ: Hazy skies in Kuching
He added that from January until 8am Wednesday (Aug 16), the air pollutant index (API) in Sarawak was in the good to moderate range with no unhealthy readings recorded.
"Based on the Malaysian Meteorological Department's weather forecast on July 26, the country is currently in the South-West Monsoon phase which started on May 15 and is expected to end in mid-September,” he said.
Dr Hazland said during this phase, winds with lower air humidity blow consistently from the south-west, causing a lack of rain cloud formation.
According to him, ASMC forecast that dry weather conditions will continue in nearby regions such as southern and central Kalimantan, resulting in the risk of increased hotspots and haze in fire-prone areas.
He said the state Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) had activated the haze operations room, stopped issuing controlled open burning permits and cancelled permits that had been issued earlier for that purpose.
"NREB has also issued a notice prohibiting open burning to all project developers and held an awareness programme with other agencies to ensure air quality is maintained,” he said.
Patrols were also being conducted to spot and stop open burning, he added.
He said those found to be carrying out open burning can be charged under Sections 30(1)(a) and 30(2) of the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance which provide for a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to five years or both, upon conviction.
He also advised the public to drink enough water, reduce outdoor activities or wear a face mask, especially for those in high-risk groups who need to be outdoors during periods of hot and dry weather.
"The people are also urged to cooperate by reporting cases of open burning to 082-319 543 or nearby NREB offices," he added.
It was reported earlier that hazy skies were seen over Kuching as parts of southern Sarawak recorded the country’s highest API readings.
Yesterday at 2pm, the state capital recorded an API of 91, close to the unhealthy level.
Samarahan and Serian had API readings of 86 and 85 respectively.
An API reading of 0–50 is considered good, 51–100 is moderate, and 101–200 is unhealthy. – Bernama
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