Lee urges vigilance against peat fires as Miri faces hot, dry spell
MIRI (July 29): Landowners and estate operators, particularly those in fire-prone peat areas here, are being urged to remain vigilant and closely monitor their lands to prevent any open burning activities.
Sarawak Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said that any signs of fire must be dealt with promptly.
'We cannot afford to be complacent,' he said in a statement today.
Several areas in Miri, in particular Permyjaya, Senadin and Kuala Baram, are known to be prone to peat fires over the years, which have long been a cause for concern, especially during prolonged dry and hot spells.
Commenting on the current heat and haze in Miri, Lee said he had called for immediate and coordinated action to reduce fire risks.
'I have highlighted Miri's situation personally to the chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, when he was in Miri for the Sarawak Day celebration.
'He had instructed the Miri Resident to urgently mobilise relevant enforcement agencies to conduct ground patrols and take necessary actions to prevent wildfires, especially in hotspot-prone areas,' he said.
Lee added that the Miri Divisional Disaster Management Committee is scheduled to convene a meeting on July 30 (tomorrow) to enhance coordination between the relevant departments and agencies, ensuring swift and collective action to mitigate wildfire risks in peat soil areas.
The key agencies involved, he said, include the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Civil Defence Force (APM), Department of Environment (DOE), Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Sarawak Meteorological Department, Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak, Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Sarawak Water Supply Company, local authorities as well as the Health Department.
Lee also urged the public to fully cooperate with the authorities and refrain from any form of open burning.
'If you see fire or suspicious smoke, alert the Bomba immediately. We must all be ready to respond swiftly and responsibly,' he said.
He further advised the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions should the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings reach unhealthy levels.
Lee emphasised that community cooperation is vital in preventing environmental disasters during this dry season. landowners Lee Kim Shin open-burning peat fire
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