KUCHING: Several areas in Sarawak are currently under close monitoring following the rise in Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, which has raised concerns over the potential occurrence of haze.
Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Director, Jamri Masran, said various measures had been taken to ensure the team’s preparedness was at its highest level, including regular patrols and the deployment of rapid response teams in high-risk areas.
“The Quick Response Team, Volunteer Firefighters and Community Firefighters have been placed on standby in hotspot zones to enable immediate action in the event of an open fire,” he said when contacted.
He added that preparedness training for personnel had been intensified since the beginning of the dry season in addition to ensuring that all equipment was in optimal condition.
“At the same time, public awareness campaigns are being actively carried out to prevent open burning incidents,” he said.
Jamri also said inter-agency cooperation had been strengthened through the implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS) and the establishment of a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) to coordinate monitoring and firefighting operations in an integrated manner.
“This cooperation involves the Department of Environment (DOE), the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and local authorities.
“Integrated simulation training is also carried out regularly each year to test the level of preparedness of all parties, including the involvement of government communication service providers,” he said.
Jamri added that coordination included the exchange of hotspot information, API reporting, joint patrols as well as integrated firefighting operations to ensure faster and more efficient action on the ground.
“On a related note, the public is urged not to carry out any form of open burning, whether in agricultural areas or open spaces near residential areas.
“Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to the emergency line 999 or the nearest fire station to enable early action to be taken,” he said.
Jamri further stressed the prevention of haze required the cooperation of all parties, adding that the role of the community was crucial in helping to control the situation before it got worse.
