Bomba: 84 open burning cases recorded in Sibu zone from Jan 1-July 26

SIBU (July 29): A total of 84 open burning cases were recorded in Sibu zone between Jan 1 and July 26 this year, said Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Zone 4 chief Andy Alie.

By breakdown, he added, bushfires accounted for the bulk of the cases at 42, followed by garbage fire with 37 cases, forest fire (two) and orchard/plantation fire (three).

Sibu zone (Zone 4) covers Sibu, Bintangor, Sarikei, Tanjung Manis, Kapit, Kanowit, Song, Selangau, Mukah and Daro.

Based on districts, he said Sibu accounted for 30 cases, Sarikei (21), Mukah (19), Tanjung Manis (eight), Selangau (two); Daro, Bintangor, Kanowit and Kapit recorded one case each.

“Currently, Sarawak is experiencing hot and dry weather.

“Therefore, I urge the public not to conduct any open burning, especially in areas prone to fires such as peatlands, landfill sites and agricultural/plantation areas.

“Open burning increases the Air Pollution Index (API), which can cause health problems, especially among the elderly, as well as polluting the environment,” said Andy in giving advice to the public.

He also advised the public not to throw cigarette butts on the roadside or in the bush.

“We call for public cooperation to be more aware of the hot and dry weather conditions and to refrain from or control open burning.”

He said firefighters are monitoring the Southwest Monsoon wind and conducting patrols in hotspots to ensure no irresponsible parties engage in open burning.

Besides that, advisory services are provided to local residents as early preventive measure, Andy added.