MIRI – Sarawak authorities are on alert following the detection of 252 hotspots from January to July that saw wildfires triggered by the hot spell and open burning.
The state Natural Resources and Environment Board has set up a WhatsApp hotline – 013-7595-866 – for the public to report cases of open burning, as well as wildfires.
An area is deemed a hotspot when it sees a wildfire of at least 1 sq km.
“From January to the end of July, 252 hotspots were reported statewide,” said the board in a public notice today.
“For the whole of last year, 201 hotspots were recorded, while in 2019, there were 280.
“We expect more forest fires, bushfires and open burning to happen since the hot season is setting in.
“The main culprits behind forest fires and wildfires are those who burn agricultural waste and ignite blazes to clear their land.”
It said deliberately setting fire to clear land or dispose of waste is a serious offence.
“They can be fined a maximum of RM100,000, or jailed up to five years, or both. The culprits can be issued a compound of RM1,000 for each day a fire is detected on their land.”
The board urged those with information on open burning to immediately call the hotline.
On August 1, The Vibes reported that wildfires are starting yet again in parts of Sarawak due to the ongoing hot spell.
Fire services here and in Daro have reported numerous cases of wildfires spreading in bushland and forested areas over the last several days.
Roughly 3ha of land along Jalan Bakam was razed before the flames were doused.
In Daro, firefighters tackled a wildfire that burned through a sizeable forest area and near Kg Sedi.
According to reports by the Daro fire station, the blaze spread to peatland adjacent to the village.
State Public Communications Unit Assistant Minister Abdullah Saidol said about 20ha of forest area was burnt.
“Villagers must stop setting fires to burn waste as the weather is getting drier. They set small fires here and there to clear their land and burn waste.
“The flames spread very quickly in this dry weather.”
Saidol, who is also Semop assemblyman, issued the same call to residents.
He warned that wildfires may hit other districts soon given the weather conditions. – The Vibes, August 6, 2021
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