KUCHING: A delegation from the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak, led by Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datuk Buckland Bangik, recently conducted a technical visit to Singapore’s Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), and the fire-prone peatland management programme at Kg Cenderawasih and Pekan Permanent Forest Reserve in Pekan, Pahang.
The visit aimed to enhance collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in peat fire management.
On Aug 26, the delegation visited ASMC, where they were briefed on the centre’s role in fire and haze monitoring, early warning systems, smoke haze dispersion modelling, and capacity-building initiatives.
The delegation gained insights into advanced satellite monitoring systems and predictive modelling tools that could improve Sarawak’s haze early warning capabilities and air quality management, particularly as haze incidents continue to affect the region.
The following day, the delegation visited METMalaysia headquarters to discuss integrating meteorological data with air quality and hotspot monitoring systems in Sarawak.
The team was briefed on the Fire Danger Rating System and the Smoke Haze Movement Analysis using the HYSPLIT model. NREB representatives also shared an update on Sarawak’s air quality and haze monitoring. Both parties explored potential collaborations, including data sharing and knowledge exchange.
“The collaboration with ASMC and METMalaysia is crucial for enhancing our haze and air quality management capabilities. These partnerships offer essential tools and knowledge to address air quality issues and improve early warning systems.” said NREB through a press statement on Tuesday (Sept 2).
Next, the delegation participated in a briefing session at Wisma Sri Pahang in Kuantan, where they were introduced to operational frameworks for fire prevention and peat fire management.
“The session included representatives from several agencies, and the delegation later visited the fire-prone peatland management programme at Kg Cenderawasih and Pekan Permanent Forest Reserve.”
They learned about community-based fire prevention strategies, water table management, and rehabilitation programs that could be applied to Sarawak’s peatland areas.
