BURNT VEGETATION: Bush fire at Bukit Lima Forest Reserve.
SIBU: Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) recorded 177 cases of bush fires from June 1 till 25, with affected areas covering about 372 acres.
State Bomba director Nor Hisham Mohammad said the highest number of cases of bush fires recorded was on June 23, with 32 cases.
Asked on the region having the most number of cases, he said Sibu had 64 cases, followed by Kuching (39) and Miri (34).
Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Environment Datu Len Talif was reported to have said they had temporarily halted the issuance of permits for open burning in plantation areas in view of the current dry spell and haze.
Just days ago, Sibu zone Bomba chief Abdul Mutalib Rashid said the most serious fire was the burning of the Bukit Lima Forest Reserve.
Abdul Mutalib called for concerted efforts to ensure no more new cases break out.
He reminded people to take precautions during this dry weather.