MIRI: Fires over the past week have destroyed 1,000ha of brush here.
Assistant Minister of Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin, who is Senadin assemblyman, said two companies are currently being investigated by the Department of Environment (DOE) for open burning offences.
He said the DOE has also issued 37 reminders and nine compounds.
“DOE has taken action on the ground while Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) has brought fire engines and personnel to the ground to help combat the fires,” Lee said after visiting the observation tower in Permyjaya yesterday.
He said heavy rain on Wednesday helped to clear some of the smoke, however a few hotspots were still detected in Kuala Baram as burning continued under the peat soil.
Three tube wells located near the burnt brush and vegetation are operating round the clock and flooded with water to stop the burning underground, he said.
Lee pointed out that idle land in Permyjaya located near the Hamidah Peryatim orphanage complex has not been affected by fires as the authorities managed to build a firebreak and tube well station.
He urged landowners to look after their idle land and to ensure no open burning is conducted.