Sarawak may raise transboundary haze concerns at Asean level, says deputy premier
PETALING JAYA: Sarawak may raise its concerns over transboundary haze at the Asean level, says state deputy premier Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah said Malaysia was a member of the Asean Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution, where issues involving haze originating from neighbouring countries could be discussed.
He said the Sarawak government would channel its concerns through the relevant federal agencies.
“The environment department will convey our concerns and find ways to resolve the problem,” Borneo Post reported him as saying in Kuching today.
He said the Sarawak government must also remain vigilant over fires in Baram and Kuala Baram because of their proximity to Brunei.
“Brunei is also sensitive because the smoke from fires usually goes there as well,” he said.
Uggah said the state government had requested cloud seeding to help disperse the haze, while Sarawak Energy Bhd had also requested cloud seeding over its hydroelectric areas, where water levels were declining.
He said Sarawak would be ready to proceed with cloud seeding once suitable conditions arose, although air pollutant index readings had fallen and the situation was improving.
Uggah also said water shortages remain a concern in some areas and the social welfare department would continue to supply drinking water where needed.
