Shahrinnahar Latib New Straits Times 21 Mar 19;
KUANTAN: A total of 70 hotspots have been detected in Pahang since early March, a massive increase compared to only 26 hotspots recorded the month before.
Pahang Department of Environment (DoE) director Rosli Zul said this is due to a combination of factors, namely the hot weather as well as uncontrolled open burning activities by irresponsible parties.
“Pekan has the most number of hotspots at 34, followed by Rompin at 21, Jerantut (5), Temerloh, Kuantan, Lipis and Temerloh at two each, as well as Bera and Bentong with one hotspot each,” he said, adding that this month saw a sharp increase in the number of hotspots, due to open burning in plantations and peat land.
“When there is hot and dry weather, coupled with an extended period of no rain, this will definitely contribute to the rise in the number of hotspots.
“This increase can be attributed to the large number of open burning cases, triggered either on purpose or by accident, which would impact air quality and lead to the haze,” he said.
Rosli urged the people of Pahang to refrain from conducting any open burning in this hot weather, as it could affect air quality.
“Plantation companies as well as the public need to act responsibly. Those found to be conducting open burning could be charged in court.
“They face a maximum compound of RM2,000 or RM500,000 fine or five years’ jail or both, upon conviction,” he said.
The public can contact the department at its toll-free line (1-800-88-2727) if they have information on those responsible for open burning cases.
Sarawak hit by 176 forest fires in 21 days
KANDAU SIDI New Straits Times 21 Mar 19;
MIRI: A total of 176 forest fire cases were reported throughout Sarawak in the span of 21 days, affecting a total coverage area of 109 hectares.
Apart from Miri, forest fires were also reported in Bintulu, Kuching and Sarikei, believed to be due to the hot and dry weather affecting the state.
A spokesman for the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Operations Centre said this marked an increase in the number of forest fire cases since early last month.
Last month, a total of 19 bush fires were reported.
“The extreme weather means that fires can easily spread and are hard to contain.
“As such, we are appealing to the people to refrain from conducting any form of open burning,” said the department in a statement.
The fires, which has so far centred around Sarawak’s northern region, has also led to reports of thick haze due to the smoke.
Concern over rising peat and forest fires
nik naizi husin The Star 22 Mar 19;
KUANTAN: Both forest and peat fire cases are on the rise since February, says Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Mohammad Hamdan Wahid.
He said the haze, which hit the country particularly hard in 1997 and 2015, was a national hazard affecting people’s health and disturbing their socio-economic activities.
Those with asthma and other respiratory diseases, especially young children and senior citizens, were more susceptible to health issues because of the haze.
Mohammad Hamdan urged individuals and estate operators to be more responsible and avoid any more open burning during this dry season.
“We have to avoid such incidents again. The open burning has to be stopped at all costs.
“Until Feb 28, there were 6,566 cases of open burning recorded all over the country.
“Among the states that had the highest number of open burning of estate, forest, and rubbish dump on a large scale is Johor, which recorded 1,457 cases. Kedah had 846 cases and Sabah 755 cases,” Mohammad Hamdan said.
He added that 16 operation centres had been opened throughout the country to deal with forest fires and issues related to it.
Mohammad Hamdan said this after presenting the department’s excellence service awards in Indera Mahkota.
Also present was state Pahang Fire
and Rescue Department director Nor Hisham Mohammad.
During the ceremony, nine firemen received the Pingat Kebesaran Jabatan, 73 others were awarded the Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang while one received the 30-year service certificate.
