Dept: Over 100 Papar fires so far
Published on: Wednesday, March 20, 2019
PAPAR: : Papar has recorded more than 100 forest and bush fires during the current dry spell.District Fire and Rescue Chief Roslie Jun said some 103 calls were received by the district department from Jan to March 19 wand 83 were reported within the Kimanis area.
He said the incidents which did not include factories, houses or vehicle fires, contributed to the district’s air index quality.
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“These fire cases only involved forest and bush fires. As it is now, the air quality in the district is badly affected due to the smog,” he told Daily Express, Tuesday.
Although there is no proof the bush and forest fires were caused by open burning, the department does not rule out any possibility.
He also said the department worked around the clock to ensure that all emergencies are attended to as well as continuously carry out programmes and campaigns as a reminder to the public to refrain from carrying out such activities.
“As of now, there is no hard evidence that these fires were caused by open burning or on purpose.
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“Sometimes those who carry out open burning could not control it spreading to other areas which threaten not just properties but also lives.
“The department has carried out programmes to advice and remind the locals to ensure no open burning activities are carried out, especially during the dry season,” he added.
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Meanwhile, in TAWAU, expectations are high for the completion of the Gudang 4 dam, which could solve the water shortage issue in the district, said Chief Communication Officer of Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew, Fung Thin Yein
“The water shortage in Tawau must be taken seriously. I hope the construction of the dam in Gudang 4 could be completed as soon as possible,” he said.
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