MIRI: As the dry spell is approaching, it is likely that irresponsible people will be taking the opportunity to do land clearing for farming, and sometimes for no apparent reason creating bushfires.
Because of this, residents wanted something to be done to stop the situation from repeating itself.
Nowadays, bushfires could be seen almost everywhere in Sarawak.
Hundreds of Bomba personnel throughout the state have been fighting bushfires for the past few weeks, most of which were caused by human negligence.
What is even more worrying is that the bushfires might get worse as the dry spell approaches.
Residents in areas prone to bushfires have been reminded to be aware of the temperature in several parts of the state which can reach up to 37 degree Celsius as of yesterday.
On Wednesday, most of the divisions in the state recorded a moderate Air Pollutant Index (API) reading.
Various relevant government agencies such as Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak (NREB) and the Department of Environment (DOE) are on standby.
Some 328.613 acres of land were destroyed statewide, following illegal open burning activities by irresponsible parties since March 1 until 8 am yesterday.
According to state Bomba director Khirudin Drahman, the trend might intensify following the coming dry spell.
“We are concerned for areas such as Miri, Lawas and Marudi as the dry spell is approaching,” Khirudin said.
Hence, he is seeking for public cooperation in tackling the matter and asked them to stop open burning.
Earlier this month, several areas in the state other than Miri were enveloped in smoke as Bomba personnel rushed to contain the raging bushfires.
“Since March 1, we received 176 cases related to bushfires,” he said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune.
He added that the state Bomba have issued an initiative plan in tackling haze issues in anticipation of the consequences of bushfires.
“We are also seeking the cooperation of NREB and DOE to monitor illegal open burning activities in the state,” he said.
Meanwhile, Miri DOE chief Julaiha Jumal when contacted yesterday said they are monitoring the situation and have taken several steps to apprehend the culprits.
