KUCHING: The public have been urged to minimise open burning and reduce the burning of joss paper, incense and candles during the Hungry Ghost Festival as worsening haze pushes the Air Pollutant Index (API) to very unhealthy levels.
According to the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia’s (Sarawak Branch) President, Datuk Seri Richard Wee Liang Chiat, the combination of extremely hot weather and deteriorating air quality called for greater caution from all sections of the community.
With the first day of the seventh lunar month marking the beginning of the Hungry Ghost Festival, he noted that people traditionally make offerings to their ancestors, and many temples hold rituals and prayers.
“Given that the current air quality has reached a very unhealthy level, I hope everyone will handle the burning of joss paper, incense, and candles rationally and reduce such burning as much as possible,” he said.
Wee, who is also president of the Sarawak Federation of Temples Association, said religious observances could continue while unnecessary burning could be reduced during the current conditions.
“Where possible, the burning can be reduced for now and made up for later when the weather conditions improve,” he added.
He also called on the government to immediately consider relief measures, including cloud seeding, and to assess tap water quality to prevent further deterioration and adverse impacts.
At the same time, construction sites should temporarily stop burning waste and adopt alternative disposal methods.
Wee advised the public to wear masks when outdoors, drink plenty of water and seek immediate medical attention if they feel unwell, particularly those with respiratory problems.
“People should remain vigilant during this period. Those who need to go outdoors should wear masks, while anyone who feels unwell, especially those with respiratory problems, should seek medical attention immediately,” he said.
Wee added that haze was an almost annual occurrence in Malaysia and warned that uncontrolled forest fires not only polluted the air and affected human health but also damaged natural ecosystems and threatened wildlife.
Although the current fires occurred in West Kalimantan, with southwesterly monsoon winds causing the haze to affect Sarawak, he said greater regional cooperation was needed to address the problem.
“We do not want to see lush forests reduced to wasteland and wildlife displaced,” he stressed.
He therefore urged the government to work closely with neighbouring countries to control fires at an early stage and reduce air pollution.
“I urge the government to immediately work together with neighbouring countries to take action, control the fires at an early stage, and reduce air pollution,” he said.
“At the same time, I remind the public to remain vigilant and prevent fires from occurring during this hot weather, while placing the highest priority on protecting lives and property.”
