594 cases of open burning this year — Assistant director

SIBU: The Fire and Rescue Services Department ( Bomba) has recorded 594 cases of open burning in the state so far this year, its state assistant director (Operational Division) Farhan Sufyan Borhan said.

He revealed that 98 of the cases were recorded in July.

“For the month of August, 34 cases of open burning have been recorded.

“Open burning cases not only cover bushfires but that of farms, plantations and forests,” Farhan Sufyan told The Borneo Post yesterday.

He urged the public, especially farmers, to control their open burning in view of the dry weather which started in July and is expected to last until October.

Open burning cases not only cover bushfires but that of farms, plantations and forests.

He also cautioned against starting fires on peat soil.

“Do not start fires on peat soil as it is difficult to put out because the fire is underground. During dry weather, the water level will drop and so fire (can) spread easily into the peat soil,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil reminded the public to refrain from backyard burning during dry weather.

He suggested that Natural Resources and Environment Board ( NREB) work closely with local councils in curtailing open burning.

Sibu had the highest Pollutant Index (API) reading in the state at 1pm yesterday at 61, followed by Samarahan ( 57), Bintulu ( 56), Kuching ( 53), while Miri and Sarikei each recorded 51.

Places with good air quality in Sarawak were Sri Aman, Limbang, Kapit and ILP Miri.

The API guide from Department of Environment ( DOE) indicates reading from 050 as healthy, 51-100 as moderate, 101- 200 unhealthy, 201- 300 very unhealthy and 301 and above hazardous.

Farhan Sufyan Borhan, Fire and Rescue Services Department state assistant director (Operational Division)