SARIKEI: The public have been urged to play their respective roles in helping to mitigate the haze by refraining from open burning and taking precautionary measures amid the deteriorating air quality.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said open burning activities could further increase air pollution and worsen the current haze situation.
“For now, I urge the cooperation of all parties to refrain from open burning as such activities could worsen the haze situation,” he said when met by reporters after attending the presentation of Land Title Letters for the Ulu Sarikei area at the Sarawak Government Administrative Centre (IAC), Sarikei Division, today.
Len assured that the transboundary haze affecting several areas in Sarawak was being monitored from time to time.
He said Air Pollutant Index (API) readings at several locations had exceeded 150, placing them in the unhealthy category, partly due to smoke from fires in Kalimantan crossing the border.
The Kuala Rajang assemblyman urged the public to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions in response to the current air quality.
He also expressed hope that the rain forecast over the next one or two days would help reduce the impact of the haze in affected areas.
