Premier suggests Canada-style water bombers to tackle forest fires, reduce recurring transboundary haze

File photo for illustration purposes. Source: Carlos Lopez Castellon/Pixabay

By DayakDaily Team

BANGKOK, Sept 14: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has suggested adopting Canada’s water-bomber aircraft to tackle forest fire more efficiently and reduce the risk of recurring transboundary haze.

Speaking during a fireside chat held in conjunction with GASTECH 2026 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) here today, he said that a water bomber can draw water from rivers or reservoirs to help put out fires more quickly.

He noted that transboundary haze was not a new issue, and that the ASEAN Secretariat should also play a more active role by exploring approaches that could accelerate efforts to tackle forest fires, thereby reducing the risk of recurring transboundary haze.

“I hope ASEAN leaders will take this issue seriously and seek a solution to it,” he said in a news report by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).

He also said that he had proposed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahum that discussions be held with the Indonesian Government to find the best approach to address transboundary haze.

At the same time, the Premier stressed that every country has a responsibility to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

He said this should be given serious attention as Sarawak also has peatland areas that require effective management to reduce the risk of fires and recurring haze.

“As a country, we need to protect the environment and strive to reduce carbon emissions. This is very important because it is linked to climate change and its impacts,” he said. — DayakDaily