(versi Bahasa Inggeris sahaja)

KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee has issued a notice to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) to conduct cloud seeding to ease the haze in the central and northern parts of the state.

The committee in a statement said that cloud seeding operations were required in Miri, Kuala Baram, Sri Aman and Sibu, which had recorded unhealthy and hazardous Air Pollutant Index (API) readings.

State Fire and Rescue Department director Khirudin Drahman Husaini said the forest and peatland fire in Kuala Baram, which started on Saturday had been contained.

However, the area continued to produce smoke, and this caused the API readings in northern Sarawak to remain high.

"So, this is the problem (smoke from the burned site). Besides, there's no rain that could help to clear the haze.

"We have been informed that we will be conducting cloud seeding, but I don't have the details," he said when contacted.

The poor air quality in Miri has been attributed to forest and peat fires, which saw over 600ha of land go up in smoke.

Two stations at the Industrial Training Institute (ILP) and SK Kuala Baram 2 had recorded unhealthy and hazardous level for the past three days.

As of 5pm today, SK Kuala Baram 2 recorded an API of 353, Miri (299), Sibu (179) and Sri Aman (108).

The Fire and Rescue department has responded to 332 bush, forest and peat fires since Aug 1, including 36 cases today.

The State Disaster Management Committee will also hold a meeting in Miri, to discuss on efforts to tackle the issue, tomorrow (Tuesday).

Sarawak Education Director Dr Azhar Ahmad said no schools will be affected by haze as it is currently the week-long school semester break.