Kuching records highest open

KUCHING (July 14): Kuching Division recorded the highest number of open-burning cases this month, with 15 cases reported as of July 13. Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) director Jamri Masran said Miri was next with 11 cases. During the same period, 49 open burning cases were recorded statewide. “Based on analysis and continuous monitoring of open-burning incidents since July 1, 2026, records show a sharp increase in open-burning cases over the past three days between July 10 and July 12. “A sharp increase can be seen on July 11 as the daily report shows there were 10 cases on July 11 compared to three cases on July 10 – and the daily cases continued to increase with 11 cases reported on July 12 before the number of daily reports went down to five on July 13,” he said in a statement. Jamri said the department would continue to prepare and coordinate operations, as well as the logistics of land and air assets to face the threat of the Super El Niño phenomenon currently affecting Malaysia. Although the number of cases remains under control and at a stable level, he said if left unchecked and without raising awareness, the number of open-burning incidents would continue to rise, harm public health, and disrupt local community activities due to smoke pollution. In this regard, he urged all members of the public to cease any open-burning activities during this period of hot weather. “Bomba Sarawak will also continue to collaborate with the Department of Environment (DoE) and the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) to ensure that appropriate action is taken against individuals or companies whose open-burning activities harm the environment,” he added. Regarding the forest fire caused by a lightning strike in Niah National Park on Monday, he said the department has requested assistance from the Fire and Rescue Air Unit based in Miri to help extinguish the fire using water-bombing methods from the air.