MIRI, 6 Sept 2019:
Six areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings compared to three yesterday with Sri Aman having the highest reading at 166 as at 9am this morning.
Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) secretariat head, Major Ismail Mahedin from Sarawak Civil Defence Force said after Sri Aman, Miri recorded an API of 133 with Kuching at 125, Sibu 123, Samarahan 120 and Sarikei 109.
“Four hotspots were detected in Serian, Betong, Bintulu and Miri involving areas under plantation as well as bushes,” he said in a statement this morning.
He said the total number of hotspots detected in Indonesia were 455 in Kalimantan and seven in Sumatera.
An API of between 0 and 50 is good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) while 300 and above is hazardous.
A fine of up to RM500,000 and a jail sentence will be imposed for open burning offences which are still in force following the hot and dry weather.
The Miri Division Disaster Management Committee Secretariat (JPB), Miri Civil Defence Force in a statement, warned that strict action would be taken under section 29A (2) or 29B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 if open burning prohibition directives were not adhered to.
“A compound not exceeding RM2,000 for every fire heap and a fine not exceeding RM500,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both shall be imposed upon conviction,” the statement said.
In addition to the Environmental Act 1974, the JPB Miri Division in the same statement said, section 30 (2) Natural Resources and Enviroment Ordinance, Chapter 84 Laws of Sarawak,1958 Edition will impose a fine of RM200 on individuals and RM9,000 on companies committing the same offence.
“Report any information related to open burning to the Department of Environment (DOE) Miri at 085-437388 and the Natural Resources And Environment Board Sarawak at 1800-88-2727.”
– Bernama