THE overall situation of open burning was found minimal in the country during an aerial survey carried out yesterday by a high level team led by two ministers, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) said in a statement.

The surveillance of the current haze and forest fire situation was attended by the Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohd Yusof and the Minister of Development Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdullah Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar along with the officials of other relevant government agencies.

The entourage surveyed forest fire affected areas and monitored the haze situation all over the country before landing in Belait.

They began their visit at the "Loji Pembentungan Air" to view the overall Pollutant Standards Index (PSI), followed by the viewing of the "Forward Operation Base" and briefing led by Superintendent Abd Azis Hj Mohd.

Both ministers also visited badly affected areas in Kuala Balai and industrial areas Aduki, Lumut and Badas.

Through air surveillance, it was found that open burning activities in the country remained minimal and the forest fires had been extinguished.

In a separate event, the Minister of Home Affairs visited the Sungai Liang Fire Station, where the minister took a look at the preparedness of the fire and rescue department's equipment and machinery in facing possibility of a fire outbreak during this dry season.

In addition, relevant agencies will continue to monitor the haze situation that arises from forest fires in neighbouring countries.

In a previous report, it was disclosed that the current haze situation arised from some 961 hotspots that had been identified in neighbouring countries along with the dry season and the El Nino weather phenomenon.

The haze developed about a week ago in the Sultanate, with the Belait District most affected. The public is urged to obey the open burning order by not carrying out open burning activities these days.

Under the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRE) Section 277 A, the offence will be punishable with a fine not exceeding $100,000.

Where such offences cause pollution to the atmosphere or endangers human life or property, the punishment is a fine of an unlimited amount and/or imprisonment for a term of up to five years. The public can contact the department about any complaints on open burning through hotlines 8999900/ 8827751/ 8837741. Those interested in knowing the air quality can do so by contacting 2383222 extension 514 during normal office hours. (RTM1 & GDN1) The Brunei Times