Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Forestry Department called on the public, mainly those living near forest reserves, to refrain from engaging in open burning activities.
Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan said cooperation from the public, especially during the current dry season, is important to avoid forest fires.
“Anyone who does not heed the advice of the Forestry Department, the Fire and Rescue Department and the District Natural Disaster Committee and is found to be the cause of a Forest Reserve fire can be taken action and charged in court under Section 19 of the Forest Enactment 1968,” he said in a statement, Wednesday.
The charge carries imprisonment up to seven years or a fine not exceeding RM100,000, or both, on conviction.
Frederick said the drought, which has been happening since February, has affected districts such as Sipitang, Papar, Beaufort, Kota Kinabalu and Kota Belud.
“This situation has caused extremely hot weather conditions with temperatures exceeding 35°C.
“This has caused forest areas and bushes to become very dry and highly flammable, as well as a swift rate of fire spreading.
“Many areas of permanent water sources and creeks are drying up and affecting the ability of teams from various agencies to control and extinguish forest fires.”
Several cases of forest fires have occurred throughout February this year, especially in the peat mangrove forest area in Binsuluk, Beaufort, which covers approximately 357 hectares, and in the Sulaman Lake Forest Reserve, Kota Kinabalu, which covers approximately two hectares.
“There are also many bush areas around Papar and Kota Kinabalu where the fire is still burning and causing hazy conditions. Tawau started experiencing forest fires since March 10, with a burnt area of 0.2 hectares in the Tinagat Forest Reserve,” he said.
He added that cooperation and information sharing from the Meteorological Department, Environment Department and Fire Department are constantly improved for forest fire management.
“Members of the Sabah Forestry Department’s Initial Attack Crew (IAC) are already on full alert to control the fire so that it does not spread to the forest reserves,” he said.
