Compounded by dry season, El Nino but impact is not catastrophic yet

SOME 961 hotspots have been identified in neighbouring countries along with the dry season and the El Nino phenomenon has led to the current haze situation in Brunei senior government officials confirmed, but added that Brunei has been fortunate as the impact of the haze is not catastrophic yet.

This was said during a press conference held yesterday at the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) headquarters chaired by Director of the centre Yahya Hj Abd Rahman, accompanied by Dr Hj Sidup Hj Sirabaha from the Meteorological Service Section, Hj Shahruddin Khairul Hj Anuar from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRE), Dr Mohd Hussein Abdullah from the Department of Environmental Health Services and Janaidi Hj Gunong from the Fire and Rescue Department.

The conference was held to relay information to the public regarding the preparations that have been done now and for the future by the relevant agencies when facing the dry season.

According to a statement from JASTRE, under the Section 277 A, the public is urged to refrain from conducting any open burning activities. The offence is punishable with a fine not exceeding $100,000.

Where such offences cause pollution to the atmosphere or endanger human life or property, the punishment is a fine of an unlimited amount and/or imprisonment for a term of up to five years.

JASTRE also announced that they will increase their patrols and survey rounds to ensure the public cease open burning activities.

Hj Shahruddin from the department said Brunei's condition is good compared to the neighbouring countries but warned that locals must not take clean air for granted.

Hj Shahruddin further added: "We will see the public's reaction to the ban and warning. Hopefully, we don't have to come to the stage where we have to fine anyone."

The JASTRE representative also mentioned how Southeast Asia is monitored by the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) in Singapore and arrangements have been made for a number of years now where experts mobilise to areas, especially those where hotspots are uncontrollable.

"ASMC gives information to other countries and advice regarding the suppression of fires. They also hold workshops involving forest fires," he said.

Dr Hj Sidup of the Meteorological Section said that the duration of this haze is subject to what happens on land, nationally and regionally.

The El Nino phenomenon might last until early next year and along with the current dry season, it will amplify the affects of the haze, he said, adding that the winds are blowing from southwest to northeast.

"The weather is bad and we are expecting a reduction of rainfall from as much as 20 to 40 per cent. Visibility in Belait has also reportedly dropped to as low as one kilometre," he said.

The Fire and Rescue Department has received an influx of calls regarding forest fires.

Janaidi, the department's superintendent said that they received as many as 60 calls, 28 from Brunei-Muara, 15 from Tutong, 14 in Belait and 14 in Temburong.

Dr Mohd Hussein advised that masks are not necessary unless the condition worsens.

"If masks are to be used, the N95 mask which stops 98.8 per cent toxic or the surgical masks, 68.8 per cent are to be used," the doctor said.

The officials assured that the haze is currently not at a harmful level, schools will not be closed and seeding of clouds will not happen yet.

They also strongly emphasised that the public's cooperation is much needed to keep the severity of the haze under control.

The Brunei Times