Open burning surges in Sarawak, most cases in Miri

KUCHING (March 27): The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) has recorded a spike in open burning cases across Sarawak over the past 12 days, with Miri Division having the most cases.

Bomba Sarawak deputy director Tiong Ling Hii said statistics showed an escalating trend in fire incidents from March 15-26.

“A notable surge occurred on March 22, with cases jumping to 18, followed by a peak of 23 on March 23.

“Although numbers dipped slightly to 17 on March 24, the situation escalated dramatically on March 25, when the department responded to a staggering 35 open burning cases – the highest single-day total for the period,” he said, adding the number of incidents dropped to 24 on March 26.

Over the 12-day period, Miri recorded the highest number of open burning cases with 59, followed by Sibu with 29 cases, Bintulu with 24, and Mukah with 23.

In the state’s southern region, Kuching reported 11 cases, while Betong recorded eight.

Sri Aman saw five cases, Serian had four, and three cases each were reported in Samarahan, Sarikei, and Kapit.

Limbang was the only division not to record any cases during this period.

“We hope to convey the message to the public to stop any open burning activities during the current hot weather season.

“Most of the cases occurred due to open burning activities for agricultural purposes, as well as deliberate burning,” Tiong added.