KUCHING: The battle against peat fires in Limbang, caused by open burning, has entered its fifth day.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department director Khirudin Drahman says three quarters of the burning area have been put out, and operations will continue today.
“There are six cases of open burning reported in Sarawak on Tuesday,” he said here yesterday.
Two are reported in Sungai Merah, Sibu involving five acres, Batu Lintang (one) involving one acre, Miri (two) involving two acres, Serian (one) and one in Limbang.
“In view of the hot and dry season, we appeal to the public to refrain from slash and burn activities.
“When peat fires are caused by open burning, they pose a challenge to us,” he stressed.
He said peat fires could also be due to the hot weather, and urged people to take extra precaution.
If there are any open burning activities, the public are urged to report to the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).
Meanwhile, the Air Pollutant Index (API) from the Department of Environment’s (DOE) website showed that most places in Sarawak registered moderate air quality as at 6pm yesterday.
The API reading from 0-50 is classified as healthy, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy) and 301 above (hazardous).
