NREB on alert against possible return of haze
SIBU: The Natural Resources and Environment Board ( NREB) is closely monitoring the air quality in Sarawak following an apparent return of hazy conditions yesterday.
NREB controller Peter Sawal told The Borneo Post the situation could be due to transboundary haze following the detection of hotspots in Kalimantan, West Indonesia.
“The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC)
The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) transboundary haze map (is) showing a number of hotspots detected over Kalimantan. The hazy situation in Sarawak is possibly due to transboundary haze.
transboundary haze map (is) showing a number of hotspots detected over Kalimantan. The hazy situation in Sarawak is possibly due to transboundary haze,” he said when contacted.
He was responding to a query on whether the hazy condition here yesterday was due to localised burning by land owners clearing their land, or caused by other factors.
He also said NREB will monitor the situation over the next few days before processing Open Burning Permit applications again.
Air Pollution Index (API) readings from the Department of Environment ( DoE) at 6pm yesterday showed five places in the country with good air quality, while 61 others with moderate air quality.
Kuching had an API reading of 81 while Sibu recorded a reading of 80 – both considered moderate.
An API reading of below 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 ( moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and above 300 (dangerous).
Peter Sawal, NREB controller