Threat of haze looms over Brunei

THE National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) yesterday advised the public of a possible haze that might engulf the Sultanate anew this year due to the current rising temperatures causing bushfires.

Senior government officials in a press conference yesterday said hotspots identified in neighbouring countries along with the dry season and the El Nino phenomenon has led to the slight development of haze that is already visible in some parts in Brunei but added that the air quality in the Sultanate was still good and that the impact of the haze is not at all catastrophic yet.

The press conference, held at the NDMC headquarters, was chaired by the centre's director, Yahya Hj Abd Rahman. Also present were Dr Hj Sidup Hj Sirabaha from the Meteorological Service Section and Hj Zakaria Hj Serudin from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (Jastre).

Jastre reported that more than 100 hotspots have been identified in the northern and eastern parts of Borneo since early this month, based from reports from the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) in Singapore.

Hj Zakaria also said that the Pollution Standard Index (PSI) reading in the Sultanate has dramatically increased, but fortunately Brunei's air quality was still good.

Jastre also urged the public to refrain from any open burning when such offences can cause pollution or endanger life or property. Under the Section 277 A, the offence is punishable with a fine not exceeding $100,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of up to five years. Jastre also announced that they would increase their patrols to curb open burning.

Dr Hj Sidup said that the dry spell which was influenced by the El Nino phenomenon occurring in the Pacific Ocean might last until the month of May. "We are expecting a reduction of rainfall from as much as 20 to 40 per cent," he added.

Among the impacts of the dry spell in the country were the rising surface temperature that has reached over 33C, increased in dew and drizzle concentration in the morning which has drastically reduced visibility and the increased risk of forest fires and haze.

The Fire and Rescue Department has received an influx of calls regarding forest fires in the past two months. "Only 18 calls were received in January, but the figure rose drastically to 189 in February. This month alone, we have already received as much as 123 calls," said Yahya.

The department has increased its patrol in all districts, and has increased the number of personnel on duty and equipment to fight fires.

The Brunei Times