Serian council suggests Indonesia compensate Sarawak over haze

 Its chairman, Peter Minos, says the haze caused by forest and land fires in Kalimantan has affected tourism, public health and schools.

The forest and land fires in Kalimantan had led to transboundary haze affecting Sarawak and other parts of the country over the past week, with the Bornean state the worst hit. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The Serian district council has suggested that Indonesia compensate the Sarawak government for the haze caused by forest and land fires in Kalimantan.

Its chairman, Peter Minos, said Sarawak suffers from transboundary haze from Indonesia every year, affecting public health and even the economy, Dayak Daily reported.

However, he said this episode of haze was among the worst he had ever experienced, with Serian’s air pollutant index (API) even reaching “very unhealthy” levels at 201 yesterday.

“Maybe West Kalimantan (should) pay Sarawak for the harm the haze causes us — loss of good health, loss from school closures, and loss of tourism revenue.

“It is mind-boggling that the West Kalimantan authorities seem oblivious to our suffering. Looks like they are not sensitive to our plight,” he was quoted as saying.

The forest and land fires in Kalimantan had led to transboundary haze affecting Sarawak and other parts of the country over the past week. The Bornean state was the worst hit.

As of 6pm, 10 areas in the country recorded unhealthy API readings, including seven localities in Sarawak, namely Serian (179), Samarahan (176), Kuching (175), Sri Aman (163), Sarikei (158), Mukah (152), and Sibu (146).

An API reading between 101 and 200 is classified as “unhealthy” and may pose health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions. - FMT