KUCHING: The transboundary haze which affects Southeast Asian countries occurs almost annually, with the first such incident reported in 1980 and the most serious in 1997.
Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak Controller of Environmental Quality, Justine Jok Jau Emang said the haze in Sarawak was reported to be moderate in most divisions except for Kuching, Samarahan and Sri Aman.
The Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in the three areas were reported to be at unhealthy levels following the bush fires in the region.
"The haze is mainly caused by transboundary haze from Kalimantan and Sumatra.
Sarawak is experiencing the southwest monsoon season. The south-westerly wind has blown the haze from Kalimantan to Sarawak. The weather is predicted to be hot and dry until the inter-monsoon season next month," he said in a statement here.
The haze impacts the population in various ways as fine particles in the haze permeate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory problems, especially among young children and the elderly, sometimes serious.
Other than the direct health impact, he said, schools are forced to close when the air quality breached the very unhealthy level at 200.
Outdoor activities are affected and it also impedes socio-economic activities, while the tourism industry may suffer as visitors are put off by the hazy environment.
Emang added that agricultural productivity and the general state of the environment also declined as the haze directly affects the flowering of crops.
"The government is doing its best to tackle the situation while the NREB has intensified its enforcement.
Monitoring and patrolling assisted by drones and satellite images has increased the efficiency and effectiveness of our enforcement team," he added.
Those caught conducting open burning could be fined up to RM30,000 or imprisoned up to three years or both if guilty.
The NREB once again appeals to the public to report any incident of open burning. The NREB public complaint hotline can be reached via WhatsApp or call +6013-759 5866.