MIRI: The Department of Environment (DOE) has chartered a helicopter to conduct aerial surveillance of open burning in Miri and its surrounding areas.
Photo shows burnt vegetation by the roadside in Kuala Baram.
DOE Miri chief Mohamad Fitri Said said monitoring from the air is needed to catch the culprits responsible for open burning during this dry spell.
“DOE is very focused on ensuring individuals or companies comply with the open burning ban as it could cause haze during the dry season,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday after inspecting areas in Kuala Baram.
He said DOE has assigned personnel to the outskirts of Miri including Tudan and Kuala Baram to catch those conducting open burning.
Mohamad Fitri warned that DOE would take stern action against the culprits, including companies or developers.
“We are working very closely with Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) and the local authorities to monitor the present situation of open burning in Kuala Baram and action has been taken,” he added.
He said DOE Miri has issued over 30 reminders, nine compounds and seven individuals and companies have been given notices to stop fires on their idle land.
Meanwhile, a heavy downpour in Miri and Kuala Baram yesterday helped to clear some of the smoke in Kuala Baram and its surrounding areas.