KUCHING: Sarawak has not record any haze hotspots so far, said State Fire and Rescue (Bomba) director Khirudin Drahman.
Based on Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre’s record, the state’s hotspot distribution and density maps are looking better compared to previously.
As of Aug 12, the state recorded 33 hotspots and of these, Miri recorded the most with 13 hotspots.
“Now, all these hotspots have been fully extinguished.
“We (Bomba) will continue to work hard and increase patrol in collaboration with other agencies to ensure there is no occurrence of open burning,” he told New Sarawak Tribune on Thursday.
Khirudin pointed out that the wind direction was constantly changing with occasional rainfall.
“However, northern Sarawak recorded dry and hot conditions that could trigger fires.
“Apart from that, there is also the possibility of cross-border haze from Kalimantan which may add on to the number of haze cases like last year.
“As preparation on our part, we are conducting advocacy programme aggressively with other agencies like Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak (NREB), Department of Environment (DOE) and local councils to educate the public on fire prevention,” he added.
He also pointed out that the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) had conducted meetings and necessary control measures based on last year’s cases.
“We hope members of the public can also play their part to abide by the directive from time to time in order to ensure that the haze situation is under control,” he said.
