‘Miri records 13 open burning cases a day’

MIRI: Miri recorded an average of 13 open burning cases a day involving forest, peat land and bushes, since last month.

Head of Zone 6 Fire and Rescue Depar tment Supt Law Poh Kiong said prior to March, only five open burning cases were recorded a day.

Law said the number, which is way too high, was caused by the people’s attitude of continuing to carry out open burning although they had been warned not to do so.

“Bushfire in Miri is very bad indeed. People still carry out open burning, and the number is increasing each day,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Law thus advised the public to take extra precaution and

Bushfire in Miri is very bad indeed. People still carry out open burning, and the number is increasing each day. Supt Law Poh Kiong, Head of Zone 6 Fire and Rescue Department

not to conduct open burning, especially during the current dry spell which is expected to last until May.

“My advice to the people is to stop open burning. Try to control and extinguish small fires you come across.”

He also encouraged the public to immediately report (emergency l ine 999) i f they encounter any burning area or anyone conducting open burning.

He added that they received one call yesterday about a bush fire at Taman Desa Pujut 2, and another call on peat soil fire at a pineapple farm near Vista Perdana.

“There was a lso a report received on open waste burning at Permai industrial area in Tudan.”

Six fire-fighters from Miri Fire and Rescue station, led by Abang Mohd Fhazil, were deployed to the scene upon receiving a call at 1.42pm.

“It was found that someone had conducted open burning in the area, which is an illegal dump site frequented by industries and individuals in the vicinity,” said Law, adding that similar case also happened at Kampung Merikan in Lutong yesterday.