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All required to refrain from open burning

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Datuk Khirudin Drahman

KUCHING: Members of the public are reminded not to do open burning during the dry season when the country is experiencing the Southwest Monsoon season.

State Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Director Datuk Khirudin Drahman said the department together with the Department of Environment (DOE), Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET) and local authorities are constantly monitoring the development of haze in the state.

He said Bomba and other agencies involved are also ready to increase patrolling in various areas if the situation requires it.

The director added hot spot monitoring through satellite observations was also made and updated.

“Bomba Sarawak is also active in providing advocacy, education and awareness to the public through shared announcements.

“I hope public members take serious note of the guidelines issued by Bomba, as it will help them overcome this challenge,” he said when contacted, today.

Khirudin also said, a total of 1,427 firefighters are preparing to face the dry season as well as 22,167 individuals from the Volunteer Fire Brigade, Community Fire Brigade, CERT and Summer Camp members.

In terms of logistics, he said the department has eight floating pumps, 21 fire beaters, 40 forest fire hand pumps, nine water pumps, two drone units, 24 mobile pumps, 35 chain saws and 11 water dam bags.

A total of 16 lorries, 13 vans, 78 four-wheel drive pick-ups, eight 20,000 litre water tanks and two 10,000 litre water tanks and a helicopter are ready to be mobilised for any eventuality.

In the meantime, he stressed that open burning activities involving the uncontrolled burning of garbage, the opening of new land for agricultural purposes and leaving large bonfires in the forest must be stopped.

Khirudin explained that the dry weather at the moment will accelerate the fire, making extinguishing work difficult for firefighters in addition to damaging the natural environment.

Digital photo if the infographic of the dry season readiness.

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