KOTA SAMARAHAN: Residents are strongly advised to avoid open burning, especially during the hot weather, to keep the haze from worsening.
Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, highlighted concerns over unhealthy levels of air pollution reported in areas such as Sri Aman, Serian, and Kuching.
“We’ve requested the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) to be ready for any potential fires.
“Please look after yourselves. If you’re in vulnerable groups, it’s advisable to wear a mask. We’ve also sought guidance from the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Sri Dr. Sim Kui Hian, on the best precautions for Sarawak residents,” said Uggah when met by reporters after inspecting the Sejingkat-Samarahan bridge project today (September 5).
Further, he said that the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) are using drones to monitor fire-prone areas, notably around Kuala Baram.
“Immediate action will be taken if fires are detected. We’ve spoken with landowners in Kuala Baram, who’ve pledged their support to help put out any fires swiftly,” he said.
Previously, reports showed that air quality in Sri Aman and Kuching reached unhealthy levels on Monday. Data from the NREB website revealed that, by 12 pm that day, Sri Aman had an Air Pollution Index (API) of 153, while Kuching’s stood at 110.
Other regions like IPD Serian had a moderate API reading of 100. Samarahan recorded 89, Lundu (87), Sarikei (82), Tebedu and Lubok Antu both at 78, Bintulu at 73, and Sibu at 70.
