MIRI: Rain which occurred in most parts of Sarawak over the past few days has ended 25 days of haze that blanketed the state, especially Kuala Baram in Miri and Sri Aman.
For almost a month, most divisions in the state suffered from haze while dozens of firemen supported by other agencies were deployed to battle peat and forest fires that contributed to the haze.
The haze was at its worst on August 22, when the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in Kuala Baram here recorded hazardous level (404 at ILP Miri) forcing two primary schools, SK Kuala Baram II and SJK Chung Hua Tudan to close indefinitely. Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Khirudin Drahman noted that light showers over the past few days helped to subdue the haze that had been blanketing most areas including the worst affected area, Kuala Baram.
Persistent dry weather and illegal open burning over the past month had contributed to the smog, apart from transboundary haze from Kalimantan.
“Thanks to rain over the past two days, most divisions in the state especially Miri and Sri Aman, have showed healthy Air Pollutant Index (API) of below 90, …and we are blessed for that,” Khirudin said. “….after haze, now we are expecting more rain to come and our men and other relevant agencies are getting prepared for any rescue efforts and possibility of floods,” he said when contacted by the NewSarawakTribune.
According to the Malaysia Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) forecast, thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are expected over the waters off Sabah until 8pm today. Scattered thunderstorms are expected until September 4.
