MIRI: The Miri Division Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) has taken several measures to address open burning incidents.
In a statement on Tuesday (March 2), minister in charge of Miri DDMC, Datuk Lee Kim Shin, said during the tail-end of the northeast monsoon, rainfall would decrease and incidents of open burning were likely to occur that would potentially affect air quality and public health.
“According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, Miri is expected to see less rain next month as it enters the dry season until May,” said the Sarawak transport minister.
Miri DDMC, together with the Department of Environment (DoE), and Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), would increase the frequency of patrols, including using drones in fire-prone areas here, particularly in Kuala Baram, Permyjaya, Senadin and Tudan.
Lee added that NREB, assisted by Naim, had been actively monitoring fire-prone areas.
“Currently, they are using drones to monitor open burning activities by irresponsible people.”
The public are also advised against conducting open burning, and they are to report such incidents to DoE, and the Fire and Rescue Department.
Lee said routine patrols were being conducted every two hours by the NREB.
“On Monday afternoon, the patrol team found one minor open burning and managed put it out immediately.”
On Tuesday, they conducted patrols at five locations – Lot 3393, Lot 3709, Lot 4042, Lot 3711 and Bandar Baru Permyjaya.
