KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- The Department of Environment (DOE) will raise air quality monitoring and preparedness to the highest level following the declaration of a haze emergency in the Serian Division, Sarawak, after the Air Pollutant Index (API) reached a hazardous level of 477 tonight.
DOE Deputy Director-General (Development) Azuri Azizah Saedon said the department would strengthen monitoring and field operations in line with the National Haze Action Plan (NHAP) and NADMA Directive No. 1: National Disaster Management Policy and Mechanism.
“The Department of Environment (DOE) takes note of the declaration of an emergency throughout the Serian Division, Sarawak, following haze conditions that have reached a level of air pollution hazardous to public health and safety.
“In this context, the DOE wishes to stress that its jurisdiction and responsibilities cover environmental quality monitoring, prevention and enforcement against open burning and pollution sources subject to environmental laws,” she said in a statement today.
She said the overall disaster management would be carried out in an integrated manner with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the state government and relevant agencies according to their respective roles, functions and jurisdictions.
Besides Serian, three other areas in Sarawak recorded API readings at the very unhealthy level, namely Kuching (299), Samarahan (286) and Sri Aman (247). Another 18 areas nationwide also recorded unhealthy API readings.
To address the situation, she said DOE Sarawak had stepped up the Open Burning Prevention Operation (OMPT) through focused patrols at high-risk locations such as peatland, forests, landfill sites and agricultural areas.
“The DOE is also closely monitoring peatland bush fires at Jalan Sibujaya Barat, covering 10 hectares, and Sungai Nai, Daro, covering three hectares, in Mukah. Drone flights will be conducted to obtain the latest monitoring overview of the affected areas,” she said.
The public is urged to immediately report any fire or open burning incidents to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department via 999 or the DOE’s toll-free line at 1-800-88-2727 to enable immediate action.
-- BERNAMA