NREB: Southwest monsoon likely to worsen air quality in Sarawak due to cross border haze

KUCHING (Sept 6): Air quality in Sarawak is expected to deteriorate given the current southwest monsoon season, which will see consistent winds from the southwest, said the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).

NREB said from Sept 1-5, a total of 20 hotspots were detected in Sarawak while 1,825 hotspots were spotted in Kalimantan based on data from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC).

“The Southwest Monsoon phase, which began on May 17 and is expected to end this month, has the potential to cause the possibility of cross border haze and the deterioration of air quality in Sarawak,” the board said in a statement.

It pointed out that the Air Quality Monitoring Station in Serian recorded unhealthy levels at 9am today.

NREB said various measures have been taken to keep air quality in Sarawak as healthy as possible.

This included activating the haze operations room, field patrols, stopping the issuance of controlled burning permits, and issuing open burning ban notices to all project developers.

The board said the open burning ban awareness programme will also be held in collaboration with other agencies.

NREB also appealed to all relevant government agencies and the public to share the responsibility of reducing the risk of haze.

It also advised the public to take necessary measures during the current hot and dry weather, including drinking enough water and reducing outdoor activities, as well as wearing N95 face masks for outdoor activities, especially those from high-risk groups.

NREB also warned the public to refrain from open burning activities that could cause air pollution.

The board cautioned that those who are convicted of committing open burning can be prosecuted under Section 30(1)(a) and Section 30(2) of the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance (Amendment 2019).

“Those who are found guilty may face a fine of not exceeding RM100,000 or a jail term of five years, or both,” said NREB.

The board also called on the community to extinguish small fires and report cases of open burning to the nearest NREB office.

It added that the identity of those who provide tip-offs would be kept confidential.