KUCHING: Haze in the state is reported to be at a moderate level following forest fires in Indonesia.
Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) controller Justine Jok Jau Emang said the situation is caused by trans-boundary haze from Kalimantan and Sumatra.
“There is a big fire in Sumatra,” he said when contacted yesterday.
He added that the board has detected two hotspots in Sarawak, Kuala Baram which is due to bush fires, and Bintulu.
“To those who are caught for open burning, we will summon the irresponsible individuals. The maximum compound could go up to RM9,000,” he said.
He also said that Sarawak is experiencing the southwest monsoon season until September. The weather is predicted to be dry until then.
“The weather will be hotter, and there will be less rain. So, I advise the people not to do any open burning as it will worsen the weather,” he said, adding that the state would only be experiencing rainfall in October as it enters the inter-monsoon season.
Justine also advised members of the public to drink more fluid to keep their body cool.
“For those with asthma, please avoid outdoor activities.”
On the air pollutant index (API), the readings across Sarawak recorded from good to moderate.
As of 11am, the API readings for Kuching, Sibu, Miri is at 64, Sarikei and Limbang at 58, Kapit and Mukah at 57, Bintulu (73), Samarahan (60), and Sri Aman (61).
According to the API indication, a reading of 50 indicates good air quality, 51-100 (moderate), 101-200 (unhealthy), 201-300 (very unhealthy), 300 (hazardous).
