KUCHING: Ambient air quality in Sarawak has shown a rising trend in the Air Pollutant Index (API) since July 19, but readings remain within the ‘Good’ and ‘Moderate’ categories, according to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak.
As of 8am Monday (July 21), three locations recorded API readings in the ‘Good’ category, while another 15 locations fell under the ‘Moderate’ category.
“There have been no areas recording ‘Unhealthy’ API readings so far,” said the board in a statement.
Citing the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) report for the period of July 14–20, NREB revealed that only four hotspots were detected in Sarawak during that time frame.
“However, 114 hotspots were recorded in Kalimantan, Indonesia — with 93 of them detected in just the past two days, on July 19 and 20,” it added.
Given that Malaysia is currently in the Southwest Monsoon phase — which began on May 10 and is expected to last until September — consistent southwesterly winds are likely to affect the region.
“This increases the potential for transboundary haze and the deterioration of ambient air quality in Sarawak.
“If biomass burning continues to intensify beyond the state’s borders, Sarawak could experience hazy conditions in the coming days or weeks,” it said.
In response, NREB has activated its haze operations room, increased field patrols, suspended the issuance of controlled burning permits, and issued open burning prohibition notices to all project developers.
“The board is also conducting awareness programmes with other agencies to reinforce the ban on open burning and safeguard air quality.
“However, the cooperation of all government agencies and the public is crucial in addressing the root causes and reducing the risk of haze,” it stressed.
NREB also advised the public to take precautions during the current hot and dry weather by drinking adequate water, limiting outdoor activities, and wearing N95 masks — especially those in high-risk groups.
“The public is reminded not to carry out open burning, as it significantly contributes to air pollution during this dry season,” it said.
Individuals found resorting to open burning can be prosecuted under Section 30(1)(a) and Section 30(2) of the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance (Cap. 84 – Laws of Sarawak, Ed. 1958), and may face fines of up to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
NREB also urged the public to help extinguish minor fires and report open burning incidents to the nearest NREB office or its hotline at 082-447488 / 082-319500.
“All reports will be treated with confidentiality under Section 38 (Whistleblower Protection) of the same ordinance,” it added.
