MIRI: Irresponsible pineapple farmers, conducting open burning in the Vista Perdana and Desa Bahagia areas, have been identified as the culprits behind the haze problem plaguing southern Sarawak.
Assistant Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Lee Kim Shin said the farmers had apparently ignored the dry weather notices issued earlier to warn local plantation owners against such activity.
The haze was said to have engulfed several housing areas nearby with some residents claiming to have fallen ill.
"Some residents called me at 3am in the morning, complaining they could not sleep due to the thick smoke.
"I have instructed the relevant authorities to investigate and carry out necessary actions against the culprits," he said when contacted today.
The Senadin assemblyman also urged authorities to intensify efforts to monitor the situation on the ground to avoid more open burning.
"Apart from Natural Disaster Management Committee and Fire and Rescue Department, the Agriculture Department must also inform and tell the farmers not to conduct open burning which can lead to serious and uncontrollable forest fires.
Meanwhile, Miri Fire and Rescue Department chief Law Poh Kiong said firefighters had been deployed to the pineapple farms to control the fire.
"It's a challenging task due to limited road access, water resources and large peat soil areas." he said.
"But we are trying our best to douse the flames." he added.