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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Sarawak reimposes open burning ban as air quality sees drop
KUCHING: As air quality is trending poorer in Sarawak, the state today reimposed a ban on open burning. The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) reminded project developers that those found guilty of open burning face prosecution under Section 30(1)(a) and Section 30(2) of the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance. Offenders face a fine of up to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to five years or both. The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre detected 114 hotspots in Kalimantan, Indonesia, between July 14 and July 20, with 93 of them detected in the past two days. In response, the NREB halted the issuance of open burning permits, issued open burning prohibition notices to all project developers, organised air quality awareness programmes with other agencies, conducted field patrols to catch those who flout the ban and activated the haze operations room. The board said only four hotspots were detected in Sarawak in the same period. It warned that Sarawak could experience haze in the coming days or weeks if biomass burning in Kalimantan continued. "As the country is in the southwest monsoon phase, which began on May 10 and is expected to end in September, the region will experience consistent winds blowing from the southwest. "This may cause transboundary haze and a deterioration in ambient air quality in Sarawak." No area in the state has recorded unhealthy Air Pollution Index readings. The NREB said up to 8am today, three areas recorded "good" API readings and 15 areas recorded "moderate" readings.
The Star
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Star
Open burning banned in Sarawak amid hot spell, says state environment board
KUCHING: Open burning is prohibited in Sarawak during the current hot spell to prevent air quality deterioration, according to the state Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB). The NREB has ceased issuing controlled open burning permits and has issued notices to project developers prohibiting open burning. Additionally, the agency has activated its haze operations room and is conducting patrols to prepare for potential hazy conditions. "We are also holding awareness programmes with other agencies on the prohibition against open burning to protect the air quality," the NREB stated on Monday (July 21). The public is cautioned against open burning activities, as offenders could face charges under the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance. The NREB seeks public cooperation to extinguish small-scale fires and report open burning cases to their hotline at 082-447 488 or 082-319 500. The air pollutant index (API) in Sarawak has shown a rising trend since last Saturday (July 19), although no areas have recorded unhealthy air quality. However, the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre detected 114 hotspots in Kalimantan from July 14 to 20, with 93% detected in the last two days. "As we are now in the southwest monsoon season, which is expected to last until September, the wind will blow consistently from the southwest. "This can potentially lead to the occurrence of cross-border haze in Sarawak. Sarawak may experience hazy conditions in the coming days or weeks if the burning of biomass continues outside its borders," the NREB warned. The public is advised to take precautionary measures during the hot weather, such as drinking plenty of water and reducing outdoor activities.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Sarawak may experience haze in coming days, warns NREB
A hazy Kuching skyline is observed from Bukit Siol in Petra Jaya in 2023. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 21): Sarawak may experience haze in the coming days or weeks due to several contributing factors, said the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak in a media statement today. As of 8am, air quality readings across the state have shown an upward trend in the Air Pollutant Index (API) since July 19. While three areas still recorded 'Good' air quality, fifteen were categorised as 'Moderate', and no area has recorded unhealthy levels so far. According to NREB, regional developments could influence local air conditions. Data from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) showed that only four hotspots were detected in Sarawak between July 14 and 20. 'In contrast, Kalimantan, Indonesia, recorded 114 hotspots during the same period, with 93 of them detected in just the last two days. 'With the ongoing Southwest Monsoon, which began on May 10 and is expected to last until September, prevailing winds from the southwest may carry smoke haze from outside the state. 'Sarawak is therefore at risk of experiencing transboundary haze, particularly if biomass burning activities increase across the border,' added the NREB statement. In response, the NREB has activated its haze operations room, suspended the issuance of open burning permits, and intensified field patrols and awareness campaigns on the prohibition of open burning. The agency has urged developers and the general public to refrain from such practices, especially during the current dry and hot weather. 'The public is advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, and wear N95 masks if necessary, particularly for vulnerable groups,' said the statement. The NREB also reminded the public that open burning is a punishable offence under the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance (Cap. 84 – Laws of Sarawak, Ed. 1958), with penalties of up to RM100,000 or five years' imprisonment, or both. Apart from that, residents are encouraged to assist in extinguishing minor fires and to report open burning cases to the nearest NREB office or via its hotline at 082-447488 or 082-319500 and whistleblower confidentiality is protected under Section 38 of the same Ordinance. Air Pollutant Index haze Natural Resources and Environment Board
