Open burning still going on despite ban
MIRI: Open burning is still continuing in fire-prone areas in Permyjaya, Senadin, and Vista Perdana here despite warnings from the authorities.
Senadin assemblyman Datuk Lee Kim Shin said he received complaints from residents in the areas as early as 3am yesterday.
“Some of them complained that they could not sleep due to the smoke from the open burning nearby.
“I checked with Zone 6 Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) chief Supt Law Poh Kiong and he informed me that there was indeed open burning,” Lee said during a meeting with Law and Department of Environment (DOE) Miri head Julaiha Jumal.
Lee warned that there should be no open burning, including by traditional farmers, plantations, construction companies, and industrial premises, as such actions may jeopardise the health of others, especially those with respiratory problems.
“Just put yourself in their shoes or imagine that your child is having asthma and that others do open burning. How would you feel?” he asked.
He called on the authorities, especially the DOE and Natural Resources and Environment Board, to take action against those caught red-handed and not just to issue warnings.
Law said despite reports of open burning, the incidents have been more manageable than previous cases.
“The fires, however, were not continuous unlike before where we take more days to put out the fires. For example, on Friday we received two calls – one at Vista Perdana and another one behind Desa Indah 3. But the fires at these two areas have been put out,” he said.