KUCHING: Miri topped open burning cases in Sarawak, as 174 incidents were reported across 12 divisions between March 15 and 26.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Deputy Director, Tiong Ling Hii, said cases remained below 15 per day in the early period before rising from March 22.
The number increased to 18 cases on March 22 and continued to climb, peaking at 35 cases on March 25 before dropping to 24 the following day.
“Miri recorded 59 cases, making it the most critical area, followed by Sibu (29), Bintulu (24) and Mukah (23), with the northern region the most affected.
“Kuching recorded 11 cases, followed by Betong (8), Sri Aman (5) and Serian (4). Sarikei, Samarahan and Kapit each recorded three cases, while Limbang was the only division with no reported cases during the period,” Tiong said.
He added that most incidents were caused by open burning activities, particularly for agricultural purposes and deliberate burning.
As such, he urged the public to stop all open burning activities during the current hot and dry weather.
