NREB revokes open burning permits light of dry weather

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File photo of haze blanketing the Rajang River.

SIBU: Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) is revoking previously-approved open burning permits in view of the current dry weather.

In disclosing this yesterday, NREB controller Peter Sawal said the board is also putting on hold the processing of new applications.

In addition, he said NREB is now using drone to curb backyard or roadside burning activities in Miri.

“The exercise of using drones to detect backyard or roadside burning in Miri started recently,” he added.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar reminded the public to stop open burning activities in view of the current dry spell which he said could lead to haze.

According to him, five hotspots were detected in Miri on Sunday but had disappeared.

Elsewhere in Sibu, the local council has stepped up efforts to curb backyard burning activities at residential areas.

Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairwoman Rogayah Jamain called on the public to work towards ensuring a clean and sustainable environment.

“The public is advised to lodge complaints to SMC if their neighbours are found carrying out open burning,” she said.