KUCHING: Sarawak is likely to face transboundary haze in the coming days if biomass burning increases beyond its borders, says the state Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).
The warning comes as Serian recorded an unhealthy air pollutant index (API) reading of 153 at 4pm on Monday (July 27).
Seven other areas recorded moderate API readings of 51-100 while five areas had good air quality (below 50) at 4pm.
NREB said Malaysia is currently in the South-West Monsoon season, with winds blowing consistently from the south-west.
"This can lead to transboundary haze and a deterioration of ambient air quality in Sarawak," it said in a statement.
NREB said API readings in Sarawak had shown an upward trend since July 10.
It also said the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) detected 16 hotspots in Sarawak from July 1 to 26.
Meanwhile, 1,081 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan in the same period, with 442 found in the last five days.
"Based on the ASMC report, only one hotspot was detected in Sarawak in the last seven days," the board said.
To address the situation, NREB has activated its haze operations room, revoked previously approved controlled burning permits, and stopped issuing new permits.
It has also issued notices prohibiting open burning to project developers.
"The public is reminded not to conduct any open burning activities, which can cause air pollution," NREB said.
Those convicted of an open burning offence under the state's Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance can be fined up to RM100,000, jailed five years, or both.
NREB also requested public assistance to put out small fires and report opening burning cases to its nearest office or via its hotlines at 082-447 488 and 082-319 500.
