Minister of Natural
Resources and Environment Dato Sri Douglas Uggah Embas disclosed so far, five
local companies in Sarawak are presently under his Ministry's investigation on
their alleged involvement in massive open burning cases.
"Our Ministry is
very concerned on the seriousness of the open burning activities as these
activities are the main cause which contributes to the occurring of haze and
this condition is dangerous and unhealthy to the people in the area or nearby
the vicinities."
Douglas, who is also
Member of Parliament for Betong told this to the reporters after presenting two
respective cheques to two churches, witnessed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk
Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu at Jabu's office at Wisma Bapa Malaysia at Petra
Jaya near the city here yesterday morning.
When asked on the
latest situation the bushfire incident which had literally engulfed 12-hectres
of vacant land in Tudan near Miri, he disclosed that the fire is currently
being controlled by the firemen and other service departments and expected to
be fully extinguished by today.
"As far as I
know, the highest Air Pollutant Index (API) recorded in that area was yesterday
which was at 258 API (Very Unhealthy Level) but I believed that the index will decreased by today as we
had managed to control the fire."
Advising, the people
nearby the incident to reduce their outdoor activities to avoid the unhealthy
fumes, Douglas also gave stern warning to those intending to start any
open-burning activities, regardless for agricultural activities or whatsoever,
as they would face a hefty fine and penalty if caught.
On another matter,
that five areas in his Betong Parliamentary constituency were affected by the
present draught condition however, the situation is expected to change once
these areas receives rain but in the meantime, some of the government agencies
and department are distributing water to those affected.
Among those present
during the presenting ceremony was Assistant Minister of Public Utilities
(Electricity and Telecommunications) and Assistant Minister of Youth
Development (Rural) Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and other distinguished guests.
-UnReportedNews™®
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