Pantai Damai State Assemblyman, Dr Rahman Junaidi (fourth right) presenting aid to a Haj pilgrim as Member of Parliament for Santubong, Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (third left), Junaidi’s wife, Datin Fiona Sim (second left), Dr Rahman’s wife, Siti Shorgayah Zaidin (left) and the others look on.
KUCHING: Open burning in the state and the neighbouring country is under control despite the detection of a few hot spots, said Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
“There are small forest fires in Acheh and Sumatera but they have not reached a worrying stage yet. They are scattered all over Acheh and Sumatera and the same thing is happening in Western, Central and North Kalimantan,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after attending a thanksgiving ceremony with pilgrims from the Santubong Parliamentary Constituency and Pantai Damai State Constituency held at Darul Hana Mosque here yesterday.
Junaidi said he was concerned about the burning activities near the border of Sarawak and Kalimantan.
“The wind that blows from the south to the north will probably bring the haze towards us.
“But at the moment, it is still under control. Sarawak has also recorded five hotspots in the last few days and all have been put out in one day.
“The hotspots also happened in other parts of the country. I hope that all the states in Malaysia will not conduct open burning as it will contribute to the haze,” he said.
This year, 57 pilgrims from the Pantai Damai Constituency will perform their Haj.
Junaidi, who is also the Member of the Parliament for Santubong, advised all the pilgrims to take care of their health.
“If there is anything, contact Tabung Haji for assistance,” he said.
Also present were Wan Junaidi’s wife, Datin Fiona Sim, Pantai Damai Assemblyman, Dr Rahman Junaidi and his wife, Siti Shorgayah Zaidin.
