KUCHING: Four hotspots have been detected in Sarawak, following the alarming discovery of 2,203 hotspots in Kalimantan during the period from September 20 to September 28.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESTY) Dr. Hazland Abang Hipni said that a report from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) indicates the highest number of hotspots in Kalimantan was recorded on September 28 with a staggering 561 hotspots.
“It is likely that this has led to the occurrence of cross-border haze in the southern part of Sarawak, including Kuching, carried by winds blowing from the direction of Kalimantan,” he said in a press conference today.
In general, he said the Air Pollutant Index (API) in Sarawak from January 2023 to September 28, 2023, has fluctuated between moderate and unhealthy levels.
“On September 27, Sri Aman registered an unhealthy API level of 136, while on September 28, three regions reported unhealthy API levels: Samarahan (148), Sri Aman (105), and Serian (156).
“However, as of this morning, the API readings for all four areas have dropped below 100, with Kuching at 81, Samarahan at 85, Sri Aman at 79, and Serian at 96,” he said.
To address this situation, he said MEESTY has submitted a memorandum to Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad to inform him of the cross-border haze phenomenon in Sarawak.
He added that the ministry has also suggested that Nik Nazmi raise this issue at the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment to find solutions to the transboundary haze problem in the region.
Meanwhile, at the local level, Dr. Hazland said the Natural Resources and Environmental Board (NREB) has taken various measures to address the issue.
“This includes activating a haze operations room, suspending controlled open burning permits, revoking previously issued permits, issuing notices to halt open burning for all development projects, and conducting awareness programmes alongside other agencies to ensure air quality is maintained.
“NREB, in collaboration with the Department of Environment, is also conducting field patrols to ensure that no open burning activities are taking place,” he assured.
In light of this, he asserted that the public is strongly advised against engaging in open burning activities, as those found guilty can be charged under Sections 30(1)(a) and 30(2) of the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance, with penalties including fines not exceeding RM100,000.00 or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both.
