MIRI: The public is reminded not to carry out open burning following the current hot and dry weather conditions, which increase the risk of haze and peatland fires that are difficult to control in the Miri Division.
Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, said that open burning not only affects air quality but also has the potential to trigger large-scale fires, especially in peatland areas that are highly flammable during drought conditions.
In this regard, he has instructed all agencies under disaster management in the Miri Division to remain on high alert and respond swiftly to any potential emergencies.
“This preparedness is crucial to ensure that every incident can be handled promptly and effectively, thereby minimising the impact on public safety and the environment,” he said when attending a briefing session of the Miri Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) at the EOC Meeting Room, Miri Airport, today (April 30).
Uggah, who is also Chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), emphasised that all operational assets and equipment must be kept in good condition and ready for deployment at any time.
Earlier, briefings by relevant agencies covered the current situation on haze, fires, water supply, and health in the Miri Division.
A report by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) stated that a total of 23 hotspots have been detected so far, with seven cases currently under investigation.
According to NREB, monitoring of open burning ban is being carried out continuously, particularly in the Kuala Baram peat swamp areas since early March, along with verification of hotspots in commercial plantation areas to identify the causes of the incidents.
