Smoke billowing from several plots of land in Miri yesterday.
Lee at the observation tower in Tudan.
MIRI: Land owners who use fire to clear their land will be slapped with warning letters and compounds as this method has seriously affected nearby residents.
In checking the haze situation from Tudan Tower yesterday, Assistant Minister of Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin said he was unhappy that there were still people who were unconcerned about the environment.
“Despite the dry season, these land owners still use fire to clear their land for agricultural use. Even though it seems to be the cheapest method it has badly affected the environment and public health,” he said, adding that 20 cases of bush fires had been reported from March 1 to 9.
The bush fires were reported at Lutong, Kampung Lusut and Miri-Airport By-Pass Road.
While at the observation tower, Lee spotted smokes coming from several empty plots.
“For those who set fire, compound will be issued to them. Warning letters will be served to remind others.”
Lee said because of the dry season, which is expected to persist till next month, the pumping of water from tube wells to flood certain areas here started two weeks ago as a preventive measure.
Two helicopters have also been put on stand-by in case of forest fire. Each helicopter can scoop about 2,600 litres of water per trip.
Meanwhile, the Department of Environment (DOE) confirmed that housing developers had been warned not to carry out open burning.
“Should there any such activity, they are responsible to douse the fire or face legal action,” cautioned DOE Miri chief Mohammad Fitri.
He was with Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis and Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Miri chief Supt Law Poh Kiong in accompanying Lee.
It was understood that Bomba had also instructed all its men in the state to be on the lookout for possible fire outbreaks in view of the dry season.