Haze Emergency in Serian: DOE Steps Up Monitoring, Enforcement

KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Environment (DOE) will increase its preparedness and air quality monitoring to the highest level following the declaration of an emergency in Serian Division, Sarawak, after the Air Pollutant Index (API) reached a hazardous level of 477 tonight.

Deputy Director-General (Development) of DOE, Azuri Azizah Saedon, said the department takes the current air quality development seriously and continues to strengthen monitoring and field actions in line with the National Haze Action Plan (PTJK) and NADMA Directive No. 1: National Disaster Management Policy and Mechanism.

“DOE takes note of the emergency declaration throughout Serian following the haze situation which has reached a level of air pollution that endangers public health and safety.

“In this context, DOE wishes to stress that the jurisdiction and responsibility of DOE lie in environmental quality monitoring, prevention and enforcement against open burning and pollution sources subject to the provisions of environmental laws,” she said in a statement on Friday.

She said overall disaster management is implemented in an integrated manner together with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), state governments and relevant agencies according to their respective roles, functions and jurisdictions.

In addition to Serian, three other areas in Sarawak recorded API readings at the very unhealthy level, namely Kuching (299), Samarahan (286), and Sri Aman (247). Additionally, 18 areas nationwide are also at the unhealthy level.

To address this situation, she said DOE Sarawak has strengthened the Open Burning Prevention Operation (OMPT) through focused patrols at high-risk locations such as peatland areas, forests, landfills and agricultural sites.

“DOE is also closely monitoring bush and peatland fires at Jalan Sibujaya Barat (10 hectares) and Sungai Nai, Daro (3 hectares) in Mukah. Drone flights will be conducted to obtain an up-to-date monitoring overview of the affected areas.

“Any identified sources of open burning or pollution will be investigated and enforcement action will be taken strictly in accordance with the legal provisions and DOE’s jurisdiction,” she said.

Azuri Azizah said DOE will continue to submit information regarding the situation’s development, monitoring results, patrols, OMPT and enforcement actions periodically according to established reporting mechanisms to ensure that the situation’s progress can be continuously assessed and appropriate actions can be coordinated.

“In the current situation, DOE will not compromise on any open burning identified as originating from human activities, particularly if such activities contribute to the deterioration of air quality. Preventive measures, inspections, investigations and enforcement will continue based on evidence and the jurisdiction vested in DOE,” she said.

The public is urged to immediately report any fire or open burning incidents to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department via hotline 999 or to DOE via the toll-free line 1-800-88-2727 to enable immediate action to be taken.

BERNAMA