KUCHING: A haze standard operating procedure (SOP) has been activated by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) to stop open burning activities.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said the SOP includes implementing an active patrol on the ground and hotspots inspection with other agencies such as the Department of Environment Sarawak (DoE).
“We will also continue to organise awareness programmes on the prohibition of the open burning activities.
“Other measures also include not releasing permit for open burning activities and strictly enforcing regulations on project developers,” he said in a press statement.
He cited open burning activities in a neighbouring country as among reasons why the air pollution index (API) readings in Sri Aman, Serian and Kuching were on unhealthy levels since Sept 1.
“According to the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) located in Singapore, there are 1,059 hotspot detected in Indonesia.
“This has caused an unhealthy API reading in Sri Aman which was between 100 to 155.
“And unhealthy API readings in Kuching and Serian were first recorded on Sept 4,” he added.
Dr Hazland advised the people to take precautions during the hot and dry weather, including drinking plenty of water and wearing face masks for those who are doing outdoor activities, especially the high-risks groups.
