KUCHING: The haze could make a return to Sarawak soon following the hot and dry spell over the last one week.
Sarawak fire and rescue department director Khirudin Drahman has urged the public to stop open burning activities, so as not to make the situation worse.
“Apart from that, the hot and dry spell is also causing more peat fires, which pose a challenge to the fire department. I call upon the public to work together and help to prevent these from happening,” he added.
On Tuesday, a total of eight forest fires were reported in Mukah, Tanjung Manis, Limbang, Lawas dan Lopeng. That brings the figure to 147 since March 1, involving 106.5 hectares of land.
“The haze can be contained if all parties cooperate during the dry and hot season. Stop all open burning activities,” he added.
The Fire department, Khirudin said, together with Department of Environment (DOE) and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) will be monitoring the situation closely, and act against irresponsible individuals or parties who engage in open burning activities.
The air pollution index (API) reading at 10 stations in the state was recorded at moderate levels yesterday, between 51 and 59.