KUCHING: Sarawak is expected to experience hazy conditions over the next few days as hotspots continue to persist in Kalimantan, says the state Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).
Citing data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), the board said a total of 1,756 hotspots were detected in Kalimantan from Aug 1 to 6, including 905 in the last three days.
In the same period, 18 hotspots were detected in Sarawak, with only six in the last three days.
NREB also said the Malaysian Meteorological Department's haze movement report issued on Friday (Aug 7) forecast the hazy conditions in parts of western and central Sarawak to last until Saturday (Aug 8).
"The current southwest monsoon period and increasing biomass burning beyond Sarawak's borders can contribute to transboundary haze and deteriorating air quality," it said in a statement on Friday.
The board said air quality in Sarawak had shown a rising trend in air pollutant index (API) readings since Aug 1.
According to the Environment Department's API management system, Kuching, Samarahan and Serian recorded unhealthy API readings of 151, 145 and 162 respectively at 2pm on Friday, while 10 other stations recorded moderate readings between 58 and 91.
NREB reminded the public not to conduct open burning activities which can pollute the air during the current hot season.
Offenders can be charged under Sections 30(1)(a) and 30(2) of the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance and fined RM100,000, jailed five years or both upon conviction.
Open burning cases can be reported to the nearest NREB office or its hotline at 082-447 488/082-319 500, with confidentiality protected under Section 38 of the same Ordinance.
