SIBU: The trend of open burning in Sarawak since last Monday is a concern, with the number of cases in the past six days showing a sharp increase, says state Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) acting director Tiong Ling Hii.
During this period, a total of 68 cases covering an area of more than 59ha were recorded.
According to him, most of the cases were intentional, not only for agricultural purposes but also for burning wood waste, paper or trash, which got out of control when the fires spread.
He said the trend showed an increase in open burning activities each day, Bernama reported.
A total of 28 open burning cases were recorded on Saturday, which was the highest and very alarming compared to the previous day’s 15 cases, he said.
Tiong said the public should refrain from all forms of open burning during the current hot and dry weather.
He said JBPM would enhance cooperation with the Department of Environment and the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board to conduct campaigns to discourage open burning through media announcements and field advocacy.
His department will also increase patrols, including with the 58 Volunteer Fire Brigades throughout Sarawak, so that open burning incidents can be quickly addressed.
