MIRI – There are at least 1,059 separate cases of forest fires raging in Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo today, with the fires being so big that each of them can be detected via satellite images taken from outer space.
Sarawak Energy and Environmental Sustainability Ministry today issued a warning to those living in southern Sarawak to reduce outdoor activities as the transboundary haze continues to blow into the Kuching, Serian and Sri Aman divisions.
Deputy Minister Hazland Abang Hipni said the unhealthy air in Sarawak now is due largely to the smog being blown into Sarawak from across the border.
“Latest satellite images taken by the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (in Singapore) showed there are at least 1,059 hotspots burning in our neighbouring country on Borneo Island.
“The unhealthy air pollutant index in southern Sarawak today is largely due to the transboundary smog blown into our state from across the border.
“We (the Environmental Ministry) have issued warnings to all quarters to be on alert for worsening haze.
“For those living in haze-affected areas in Sarawak, we are advising them to reduce outdoor activities, wear facemasks when going outside, drink more water and take extra health precautions,” Hazland said in a press statement.
A hotspot, as seen on satellite images, is a forest fire that is at least one acre in size – which is big enough to be captured by satellite camera, appearing as a red spot on the earth’s surface.
One acre is equivalent to the size of a football field.
Hazland also said today that his ministry has also directed the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board to crack down on local open burning on the Sarawak side of the border.
“All forms of open burning have been banned.
“Warnings are being issued to all sectors, including to land developers and agriculture plantations,” he stressed.
Over in Bintulu town, the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department said today that the wildfires at the Bintulu dumpsite are still burning.
Firefighters are using tractors and excavators in an attempt to create firebreaks to stop the flames from spreading, the department said in a press release.
The fires there have been burning since Sunday, causing even more pollutants to be transmitted into the atmosphere.
The dumpsite measures 500 acres in size, but the fires have not spread to the whole site yet, being confined to scattered locations now. – The Vibes, September 6, 2023
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