MIRI: A total of 11 tube wells have been constructed in Miri Division to strengthen preparedness and firefighting efforts in peatland areas prone to fires, said Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin.
He said the infrastructure comprised seven tube wells in Kuala Baram, one in Tudan, two in Permyjaya and Senadin, and one in Vista Perdana.
Lee said the tube wells were among infrastructure developed under the programme to prevent peatland fires and mitigate haze, providing an adequate water source for firefighting operations while helping maintain moisture levels in peatland areas.
“The infrastructure, particularly the tube wells and check dams, must be properly maintained and ensure that they can function effectively when needed,” he said.
He said this during the Hands-on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Programme for Preventing Peatland Fires under the Infrastructure Preparedness Project for Peatland and Other Fire-Prone Areas to Mitigate Haze in Miri, today.
He said the Hands-On SOP Programme for Preventing Peatland Fires was also aimed at enhancing the preparedness of relevant agencies by ensuring they understood their respective roles and responsibilities during fire incidents.
Lee added that 21 check dams had also been constructed in Miri Division under the peatland fire prevention programme.
He said Kuala Baram was among the peatland areas that had previously experienced fires, resulting in localised haze.
“Preventive measures are crucial because peatland fires are difficult to extinguish once they start and can lead to serious air pollution and localised haze,” he said.
He added that at the Sarawak level, 15 tube wells, 32 check dams, eight piezometers and one observation tower had been constructed as part of peatland fire prevention infrastructure.
“Piezometers were used to monitor groundwater levels and moisture conditions in peatland areas,” he said.
Lee stressed that effective prevention required close cooperation between government agencies and the public, particularly during prolonged dry weather and reduced rainfall associated with El Niño conditions.
Satellite observations recorded 135 hotspots in Sarawak from January to early August this year, with investigations by the Department of Environment (DOE) indicating that almost all were linked to fire incidents, including forest and bush fires, plantation activities and landfill fires.
As such, he said the preparedness of relevant agencies needed to be strengthened to ensure the fire prevention infrastructure could function effectively when required.
He also urged the public to avoid open burning, particularly during hot and dry weather, to reduce the risk of fires and haze.
Lee said efforts to prevent peatland fires required cooperation among government agencies, the private sector, landowners and the community.
